COLUMBUS, Ohio – The general election is just over a month away, and that means Ohio voters can begin casting absentee ballots.
The ballots include a variety of races for local offices, including Columbus City Council and School Board and a major levy and bond issue in the Columbus City Schools.
Secretary of State Jon Husted’s office says Tuesday marks the beginning of the window for in-person absentee voting. He also says local boards of elections will start mailing out absentee ballots to those who have requested them.
Absentee ballots can be requested by mail until Nov. 2. Voters in Ohio can cast an absentee ballot early by mail or in person without giving any reason.
To cast an absentee ballot by mail, voters must complete, sign and seal their voted ballots and, provide the required information, including proper identification, Husted said. Voted ballots must be postmarked the day before Election Day and received no later than 10 days after the election.
Absentee ballots may also be delivered in person to boards of elections no later than the close of the polls on Election Day. They may not be returned at polling locations.
The deadline to register to vote for the Nov. 5 election is Monday.