Here is what you need to know about applying for an absentee ballot, voting early in-person and voting at the polls on Election Day.
Should I check my voter registration? Yes. You can do so here: https://voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx
How can I request an absentee ballot? Ohio law doesn’t allow for making the requests online or by email. You can find the application form here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/publications/#abr Print it, fill it out and mail it to your county board of elections. The Ohio Secretary of State mailed absentee ballot applications to all registered voters around Labor Day.
When can I make that request? Anytime before Oct. 31. But officials warn that Ohio’s absentee ballot application deadline does not allow enough time for the U.S. Postal Service to carry the application to the board of elections, the ballots back to voters, and then the voted ballots back to the board. The advice is do not procrastinate.
Do I need a reason to vote absentee? No, not in Ohio.
When will the ballot be sent to me? Ballots already have been mailed to thousands who have asked. The later you apply, the later it’ll arrive.
Do I have to pay for postage? Yes. Depending on the size of the ballot determined by the number of local issues, postage varies by county and in some areas can cost more than one 55-cent Forever Stamp.
Deadlines for absentee ballots: Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 2 and received by the board of elections no later than 10 days after Election Day.
Can I track my application and ballot? Yes. https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/ballot-tracking/
What if I don’t want to use the U.S. Postal Service? You can drop off your absentee ballot at your local county board of elections anytime before the polls close at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3. Each board will have a secure drop box for ballots.
Can I ask someone else to take my ballot to the board of elections? Only the voter or their immediate family can drop off ballots in Ohio.
What if I want to vote early in-person? Ohio has 28 days of early in-person voting at county boards of elections.
What are the early in-person voting hours and days? Early voting began Oct. 6. As of this week, hours expanded. The dates and times are: Oct. 19 to Oct. 23, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Oct. 24, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Oct. 25, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct. 26 to Oct. 30, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nov. 1, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Will the polls be open for in-person voting on Election Day? Yes, polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.
What identification do I need to vote early in-person or on Election Day? An unexpired driver’s license or state ID card or mail such as a utility bill, paycheck, government check or bank statement showing your current address. Here is a full list of acceptable forms of ID: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/id-requirements/
What if I forget my ID? You can still vote a provisional ballot by providing your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once the information is verified, your ballot will be counted.
How can I find my polling location? It’s a good idea to check before you go since some locations have moved due to the pandemic. You can search for it here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/
Is there an option to vote curbside at my polling place? Yes. Two poll workers — one from each political party — can meet voters with disabilities curbside with paper ballots. A directive from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose allows those with physical disabilities as well as voter with concerns about entering a polling place to exercise the curbside voting option.
What if I want to be a poll worker? Ohio deploys 35,000 workers across 3,600 polling places. Workers are paid about $140 and receive online training through the county board of elections.
What are the requirements to be a poll worker? You must be a registered voter and never been convicted of a felony. High school students 17 and older may be poll workers through the Youth at the Booth program.
How can I sign up? https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/precinct-election-officials/peosignup/
How do I contact my local county board of elections?
Butler County
1802 Princeton Road, Suite 600, Hamilton, OH 45011 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Telephone: (513) 887-3700 Fax: (513) 887-5535 E-mail: butler@OhioSoS.gov Website: elections.bcohio.gov
Champaign County
1512 S. U.S. 68, Suite L100, Urbana, OH 43078 Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday Telephone: (937) 484-1575 Fax: (937) 484-1578 E-mail: champaig@OhioSoS.gov Website: www.boe.ohio.gov/champaign/
Clark County
3130 E. Main St., Springfield, OH 45505 Mailing Address: PO Box 1766 Springfield, OH 45501-1766 Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Telephone: (937) 521-2120 Fax: (937) 328-2603 E-mail: elections@clark.boe.ohio.gov Website: www.boe.ohio.gov/clark/
Greene County
551 Ledbetter Road, Xenia, OH 45385 Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Telephone: (937) 562-6170 Fax: (937) 562-6171 E-mail: greene@OhioSoS.gov Website: www.greene.boe.ohio.gov
Miami County
215 W. Main St., Troy, OH 45373 Office Hours: 8 a.m-4 p.m. Monday-Friday Telephone: (937) 440-3900 Fax: (937) 440-3901 E-mail: miami@OhioSoS.gov Website: www.boe.ohio.gov/miami/
Montgomery County
451 W. Third St. Dayton, OH 45422 Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday Telephone: (937) 225-5656 Fax: (937) 496-7798 E-mail: montgome@OhioSoS.gov Website: www.montgomery.boe.ohio.gov
Warren County
520 Justice Dr., Lebanon, OH 45036 Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Telephone: (513) 695-1358 Fax: (513) 695-2953 E-mail: wcboe@warrencountyohio.gov Website: vote.warrencountyohio.gov
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