PLAN YOUR VOTE: Voting Absentee
September 24, 2020 by Ross Musick
Revised: March 2024
There are many ways to vote in the upcoming election. Voting by an absentee ballot is a great way for people to vote from the safety of their own homes, especially during these unusual times. An absentee ballot (or “mail-in voting”) allows you to mail in your ballot before Election Day so you don’t have to be physically present to vote. Absentee ballot applications are due by noon, 3 days before Election Day.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
• If you would like an Absentee Ballot Application mailed to you, visit the following website and fill out the required information: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/absentee-request/
• If you have a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can request an Accessible Absentee Ballot to use with screen reader technology, visit this website for more information: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/voters-with-disabilities/votingfaqs/
What information do I need to request an absentee ballot?
• Name
• Address at which you are registered to vote
• Date of birth
• Signature (if you cannot sign you can mark an X, use a signature stamp, ask someone to sign for you, or sign a form for an attorney in fact who can sign for you)
• Proof of identification-
o State ID or driver’s license number; OR
o Last 4 digits of your social security number; OR
o A copy of a current and valid photo ID; OR
o Military identification; OR
o A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck; OR
o Other government document that shows your name and address
• Statement identifying the election for which you are requesting an absentee ballot
Once your application has been received and approved, your ballot will be mailed to your address. Your completed Absentee Ballot must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day and received no later than 10 days after Election Day. If you decide not to vote by absentee ballot, you can choose to vote in person on Election Day or you can vote early in person.
DRO operates a voter hotline every Election Day from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. If you need help, call us at 614-466-7264 or 800-282- 9181. Our normal intake line is open from 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. We are working remotely, so leave us a voicemail and we will call you back.