Ohio: Election Tools, Deadlines, Dates, Rules, and Links

Ohio absentee ballots

• Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person: Received by close of business 7 days before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received by close of business 7 days before Election Day.
  • Online: N/A

• Voted absentee ballots are due

  Postmarked no later than the day before Election Day and received no later than 4 days after Election Day, or delivered in person by 7:30 p.m. Election Day.

• Absentee ballot rules

  Any registered Ohio voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote absentee.

• How to get an absentee ballot in Ohio

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it's close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

• Once you get your absentee ballot in Ohio

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  4. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.