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– Uniformed & Overseas Voters

Process To Apply For A Uniformed Services Absentee Ballot:

Qualified electors who are members of the uniformed services or residing overseas may apply for an absentee ballot in any of the following ways:

  1. You may use the current Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), available online at www.fvap.gov.  The FPCA may be used both to register to vote and to request absentee ballots.
  2. You also may request an absentee ballot using a form prescribed by the Ohio Secretary of State (Form 11-A, if you will be in Ohio during the absentee period; otherwise, use an FPCA).
  3. If you already are a registered Ohio voter, you may designate an eligible relative to request an absentee ballot on your behalf, by using the Secretary of State prescribed Form 11-E or the FPCA.

Prescribed Forms

Form 11-A: Application for Absent Voter’s Ballot
Form 11-E:  Application by Relative for Uniformed Services Absent Voter’s Ballot
Federal Voting Assistance: Program Website

How To Receive An Absentee Ballot

If you are an individual eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), you may ask to receive your ballot in any one of the following ways:

  1. By mail:  Beginning January 1 or 90 days before an election, whichever is earlier, you may mail your properly-completed absentee ballot application, bearing your signature, to the board of elections of the county in which your voting residence is located.  Submit your request as far in advance of the election as possible to ensure there is sufficient time for the board to mail, fax, or email you a ballot.  Your marked ballot must be returned by mail. Deadline to submit requests is the close of business on the seventh day before Election Day.
  2. By fax:  You may fax your absentee ballot request to the board of elections of the county in which your voting residence is located. You may request that the board fax, mail, or email your ballot to you, but you must return your marked ballot by mail. Deadline to submit requests is the close of business on the seventh day before Election Day.
  3. By email:  Your completed and signed absentee ballot request form may be emailed to the board of elections office in the county in which you are registered to vote.  You may request that the board fax, mail, or email your ballot to you, but you must return your marked ballot by mail. Deadline to submit requests is the close of business on the seventh day before Election Day.
  4. In person:  Once absentee ballots are available, you may go to your county board of elections office or other site designated by the board of elections to cast your ballot in person.  If you are a UOCAVA voter voting in person on the day before an election or on Election Day, you may vote in person at the office of your county board of elections only. 

For more information, call the office at – (419) 898-3071.

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