If you want to vote early in Ohio, your best bet is to mail in your ballot.If you want the ballot sent to your home, fill out an application and request it.If you want to vote in person, show up to the board of elections as soon as possible.Early in-person voting begins 29 days before an election, although you can apply for an Absentee ballot as early as you want.If you won't be able to go to your polling place on Election Day, voting early is a convenient option.
Step 1: The form can be downloaded.
The form can be found on the Ohio Secretary of State's website.This form is the official way to request an Absentee ballot.The form can be found online at: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/global assets/elections/forms-11-a_english.
Step 2: The application must be started at least 3 days before the election.
Absentee ballot applications can be submitted prior to 3 days before Election Day.The state of Ohio will not have enough time to mail you a ballot if you submit the request application 2 days or 1 day prior to the election.The last day to submit an Absentee Ballot request is November 3.Absentee ballots can be requested as early as January 1 on the year of the election or 90 days before Election Day.
Step 3: If you don't have Internet access, write a request letter.
You can request an Absentee Ballot application if you don't have consistent access to a computer, printer, or Internet.The letter can be handwritten or printed.The letter should be addressed to your county's board of elections.The address you are registered to vote at, as well as the location you want the ballot mailed to, must be included in your letter.
Step 4: If you can't request it online, ask for it in person.
You can request an Absentee Ballot application in person at the board of elections office.The application can be filled out on the premises.If you have to, complete the application at home and mail it in at a later date.The last Friday before the election is when you can request a ballot in person.
Step 5: Your county board of elections office can accept applications.
Absentee-ballot applications should be sent to the county board of elections, not the Secretary of State.The form must be received by the board of elections at least 3 days before the election.The Ohio Secretary of State has a directory of county board of election offices.
Step 6: Wait for the ballot to arrive before you vote.
You should receive your Absentee Ballot via the mail within 2 weeks after you mail in your application.You can expect your ballot to arrive within 1-2 days if you submitted your application only 3 days in advance.If your ballot fails to arrive within this time frame, you should call your county board of elections.There may be a condition preventing the application from being accepted.You can call the local board of elections if you have any questions.Don't call the Ohio Secretary of State.
Step 7: Complete as much of the ballot as you want.
Carefully follow the instructions on the ballot.It will show you how to fill in the bubbles next to each option and how many options you can choose for each issue.Most ballots need to be filled out with a black ink pen or permanent marker.You can vote on as few or as many issues as you please.All issues that can be voted on in this election will be listed on the ballot.
Step 8: Do not put any identifying information on the ballot.
Absentee ballots must be anonymous.Proof of your identity and voting eligibility can be found in the identification information you provided when requesting the ballot.Don't write your name, address, or SSN on the ballot.
Step 9: If you have access to the postal service, mail your ballot.
When the ballot arrived in the mail, put it in a secure-return envelope.Drop the envelope in the mailbox.Ohio law requires the ballot to be postmarked by the day before the election.The mailed ballot must be received by the board of election by 10 days after Election Day.The ballot should arrive at its destination within 24 hours.
Step 10: If you can't mail the ballot, give it early.
Bring your completed ballot to the county board of elections before 7:30 pm on Election Day if you don't have time to mail it.If you can't deliver the ballot in person, a family member can.If you deliver the completed ballot after 7:30 pm on Election Day, it will not count.
Step 11: Pick a polling place or early-voting location.
The early-voting polling location is different from the Election-Day polling place.Early voting is usually held at the county board of elections.State governments assign polling places.If your friends or family members live in a different district than you do, you may have different polling places.You can find your county board of elections location online.You may be able to vote early at other locations.Call your local board of elections to find out where they are.You can find the phone number by selecting your county.
Step 12: You have 29 days before the election to show up at the polling place.
Early voting in Ohio usually begins at this time.Up to 1 day before Election Day, you can vote in person.Arrive between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on Mondays and Fridays.At that point, you will be able to fill out the entire election ballot.You can begin early voting on October 10th if you want to vote in the November election.Your vote won't be counted until Election Day.
Step 13: The appropriate identification is brought to the polling place.
Even though the ballot is anonymous, you will need to prove who you are.You have to bring multiple forms of identification to vote early.Bring a current photo ID, like a driver's license, government ID or state ID card, as well as a copy of a utility bill, phone bill or Social Security number.
Step 14: You can fill out the ballot by following the directions.
The ballot should tell you how to mark your votes.To fill in the marks for your votes, use a blue or black ink pen.Press the button that corresponds to the vote you want to cast if the voting is done electronically.All issues that you are eligible to vote on will be listed on the ballot.You don't have to place a vote on every issue in an election.
Step 15: Once you have filled it out, submit it.
How to securely submit your ballot will be explained by your early-voting station.If your county handles the voting procedure differently, you may need to place your ballot inside a sealed envelope and drop it into a ballot box.You may be asked to feed your ballot into the voting machine.Ask the staff if you are confused about how to cast your ballot.