Vote Before Election Day: Early Voting and Absentee Voting
In Ohio, there are two ways to vote before election day: by voting at an early voting site, or by casting an absentee ballot.
Vote at an early voting site
Ohio voters can vote early at an early voting site that should be accessible and allow people to cast their votes in private. In most counties, the Board of Elections is the early voting site. Franklin, Hardin, Knox, Lucas and Summit counties have alternative early voting sites. The Secretary of State's Web site has a map with links to early voting locations and voting hours.
Bring the right identification:
- The last four digits of your Social Security number; or your driver's license number; or
- A copy of a current and valid photo identification, (for example, Ohio driver's license, state ID card, government ID). Photo identification must show your name and address; or
- A copy of a current utility bill (including cell phone bill), bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and current address (including from a public college or university).
Vote by absentee ballot
An absentee ballot allows registered voters to cast their vote without going to their official polling place on election day. Anyone in Ohio who is registered to vote can vote by absentee ballot. You do not have to give a reason why you want to vote absentee.
Mail your absentee ballot with a postmark of no later than the day before Election Day, or return it in person to your local county board of elections by Election Day.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the absentee ballot process.
How do I get an absentee ballot?
Absentee ballots are available from your county board of elections.
Vote by absentee ballot at your county board of elections:
- Go in person to your county board of elections office and ask for an absentee ballot. You can vote with your absentee ballot while you are there. Or you can take your absentee ballot and vote later, returning your ballot by mail or bringing it to the county board of elections.
- Be sure to bring proof of identification (see below for examples of what you can bring).
Obtain an absentee ballot to complete and send through the mail:
- Request an absentee ballot in writing from the board of elections office in the county where you are registered to vote.
- Although an absentee ballot request form is not required, you can get one from the Secretary of State's Web site: Application for Absent Voter's Ballot (PDF file). Your county board of elections may also have a request form.
- You can also go in person to your county board of elections office and ask for an absentee ballot.
- Your letter, note, or request form must include:
- your name;
- the address where you are registered to vote;
- your birth date;
- which election you want the ballot for, in this case the November 4, 2008 general election;
- if you want your absentee ballot mailed to you, the address where you want the ballot sent;
- your signature or other legal mark (your signature or mark declares that you are a qualified voter and are providing truthful information);
- date you signed the form; and
- you must include ONE piece of information that identifies who you are. Include one of the following: your Ohio driver's license number; the last four numbers of your Social Security number; or a copy of your current and valid photo identification, military identification, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and current address. (Note: You cannot show a notice that the board of elections mailed to you as proof of who you are.)
What do I do when I get my absentee ballot in the mail?
Follow the directions provided and mark your ballot. Take your absentee ballot back to, or mail it to your county board of elections office.
If you bring your absentee ballot to the board in person, you must deliver it before the polls close on Election Day.
If you mail it, your ballot must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day. Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the Board within 10 days of the election. Your absentee ballot envelope may need extra postage. The post office can weigh it so you are sure to have proper postage so mail delivery is not delayed.
Note: The board of elections will accept applications for persons who are hospitalized due to a medical emergency until 3:00 p.m. on Election Day.
How do I know if the county board of elections got my absentee ballot?
You can contact your county board of elections to check if your absentee ballot was received.
Contact OLRS with Voter Rights Complaints
The Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) is the federally and state designated Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities. OLRS was created to protect the rights of Ohioans with disabilities, and that includes protecting the fundamental right to vote. If you experience problems when you register to vote or exercise your right to vote, please contact OLRS. You can call OLRS' Intake toll free telephone line, write to OLRS Intake, or complete an on-line form: Need our Help?
Ohio Legal Rights Service
50 West Broad Street, Suite 1400
Columbus, Ohio 43215-5923
Telephone: 800-282-9181 (statewide toll free) or 614-466-7264 (toll call)
TTY: 800-858-3542 (statewide toll free) or 614-728-2553 (toll call)
FAX: 614-644-1888
Web site: http://olrs.ohio.gov
Where can I find more information about voting?
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