OLRS Voter Alert - Voting by Absentee Ballot
Frequently Asked Questions

Note: The information in this voter alert applied to the March 4, 2008 primary election.

With the primary election rapidly approaching, you are encouraged to exercise your right to vote using an 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. Absentee voting begins February 8 (25 days before the March 4, 2008 primary election). 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. You can either cast your vote at the board of elections or send your completed absentee ballot by mail.

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.
• Be sure to bring proof of identification (see next question for examples of what you can bring).
• You can vote at the board of elections using an absentee ballot through March 3, 2008, the day before the primary election.

Obtain an absentee ballot to complete and send through the mail:

• Go in person to your county board of elections office and ask for an absentee ballot. If you do not want to vote with your absentee ballot while you are there, you can take your ballot with you.
• Request an absentee ballot in writing from the board of elections office in the county where you are registered to vote.
• Complete an absentee ballot request form. Although a 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.

What information must I provide when I ask for an absentee ballot?

Your letter, note, or request form must include the following information:

• your name;
• the address where you are registered to vote;
• your birth date;
• which election you want the ballot for (for example, March 4, 2008 primary);
• the address where you want the ballot sent (if you want your absentee ballot mailed to you);
• 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 something that identifies who you are. You can 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.)

When will I get my absentee ballot?

If you go to the board of elections in person, you will get it right away. If you mail in your written request, the board of elections will mail you a ballot (see the next question for the deadline for mailing in your written request). If you do not get your absentee ballot, contact your county board of elections.

How long do I have to request an absentee ballot?

If you mail in your written request, you must mail it to the county board of elections by 12:00 noon the Saturday before election day, March 1, 2008. Make sure you mail it far enough in advance so that it gets there on time. Getting your request to the board of elections by Saturday gives the board time to send you your ballot in the mail. (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.)

What do I do when I get my absentee ballot in the mail?

Follow the directions provided and mark your ballot. After you have voted with your absentee ballot, take it back to, or mail it to your county board of elections office.

When is the last day that I can get my absentee ballot from the board of elections office?

You can get an absentee ballot from the board of elections no later than Monday, March 3, 2008.

When must the board of elections receive my absentee ballot?

Your completed absentee ballot must be delivered to the county board of elections office no later than 7:30 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, March 4, 2008. The completed ballot can be delivered to the board of elections in person, or you can mail it. If you mail it, get it in the mail far enough in advance to be sure it gets there on time.

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.

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.

Where can I find more information about voting?

Visit the Voting section of the Ohio Legal Rights Service Web site.

Visit the Voter Information Guide on the Ohio Secretary of State Web site.

Contact your county board of elections.

Download the PDF version of this Voter Alert

This Voter Alert is also available in a printer-frienly PDF format: OLRS Voter Alert - Voting by Absentee Ballot (PDF file)

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Article posted February 8, 2008

• Voting