How to Vote Absentee
For students registered in their home county in Ohio, that do not have a valid form of photo ID to vote in-person in Ohio, or wish to vote in their home state, absentee voting may be the best option. Read more below on how to request an absentee ballot, how to navitage mailing your absentee ballot, and important deadlines for complete your absentee ballot.
What do I need to vote absentee?
Voting absentee in Ohio requires different information than voting in-person in Ohio. As long as you are eligible to vote in Ohio, and have at least a Social Security number, you can vote absentee. Below is the specific informaiton you need to request an absentee ballot.
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address at which you are registered to vote
- Voter identification
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
- Ohio driver's license or state of Ohio ID card
- A copy of a valid photo ID acceptable for in-person voting
How do I request an absentee ballot?
Absentee ballots must be requested in Ohio for each election. Find information below on how to request an absentee ballot.
Fill out an absentee ballot application
You can find and fill out the absentee ballot application on the Ohio Secretary of State's websites. You can fill out the information and then print, or print and then complete the form. Either way, do not forget to sign the form.
Print the absentee ballot application
You can find and fill out the absentee ballot application on the Ohio Secretary of State's websites. You can fill out the information and then print, or print and then complete the form. Either way, do not forget to sign the form.
Mail the absentee ballot application to your Board of Elections
You can find your Board of Elections' information on the Ohio Secretary of State's website.
Begin the absentee ballot request process early, at least two weeks before the election, as it requires time for items to be processed and delivered between you and your Board of Elections.
What do I need to know about the mail?
Whether registering to vote or voting absentee, many students will utilize the United States Postal Service (USPS) to send election mail during election season. See below for helpful information and tips on navigating the USPS mail system during election season.
Election Mail
Students may send and receive different types of election mail. Please check mail boxes regularly for election mail and information. Examples of specific types of election mail you may send are:
- Voter registration forms
- Absentee ballot request forms
- Voted absentee ballots
You may also recieve mail from the Board of Elections, such as:
- Confirmation of your voter registration
- Information about your polling place
- Requested absentee ballots
- And more!
USPS Locations
There is a USPS office conveniently located on Ohio State's campus. Students can purchase postage here. Additionally, many local grocery, pharmacy, convenience and office supply stores sell stamps for purchase.
University Post Office
234 W 18th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Students can use the Find USPS Locations tool to locate other USPS locations as well.
Campus Address
Below is an example of how to utilize a campus address for election mail. Students should utilize their physical address for election purposes.
Brutus Buckeye
93 West 12th Avenue, Room 100
Columbus, OH 43210
OR
Brutus Buckeye
93 West 12th Avenue, 100
Columbus, OH 43210
Envelope Address
In order for USPS mail to be delivered and received in a timely manner, students must address envelopes correctly. Below is information on how to address an envelope.
- Appropriate Postage: Top-right corner of envelope
- Receiving Address: Middle-center of envelope
- Sending Address: Top-left corner of envelope
Remember to check your mail regulary and to send mail via USPS with plenty of time for processing and delivery.
How do I vote by absentee ballot?
Any registered Ohio voter with up-to-date information can vote absentee. Below is the process for voting absentee.
Request an absentee ballot
See "How do I request an absentee ballot?" above. Your county must receive your absentee ballot application by mail or in-person at least seven days before Election Day. OSU Votes recommend that you plan to complete your absentee ballot application at least two weeks in advance to allow time for processing and delivery.
Receive your absentee ballot
Once your Board of Electiond receives your absentee ballot application and confirms your eligibility to vote, they will send your absentee ballot via USPS. Please remember to check your mail regularly as election mail must be reviewed in a timely manner.
Complete your absentee ballot
Be sure to read all the information and instructions for completing your absentee ballot. If you do not follow all the policies and procedures, your ballot may not be counted. OSU Votes recommends completing your absentee ballot within 48 hours of receiving it.
Return your absentee ballot
By mail - Your completed ballot must be received by your county's Board of Elections by the close of polls on Election Day. OSU Votes recommends mailing your completed ballot through USPS at least one week before Election Day to allow time for mail processing and delivery.
In-person - Your completed ballot can also be hand-delivered to your county's Board of Elections by you or a near relative by the close of polls on Election Day.
It is recommended to begin the absentee voting process as early as possible to allow ample time for mail processing and delivery.
How do I vote by absentee outside of Ohio?
Absentee voting is a popular option for many out-of-state students who want to cast votes in their home state. While all U.S. states and territories offer absentee voting, the rules and requirements surrounding absentee voting vary in each state. To find the absentee voting requirements and processes for your state, access your state’s absentee/early voting information using this database from the National Association of Secretaries of State.