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Absentee Voting by Military Personnel

FAQs
Who may vote using the armed service absentee ballot?
If you are serving in the U.S. armed forces on active duty outside the state, you, your spouse and dependents may vote by an armed service absentee ballot if you otherwise meet the requirements for voting in Ohio. Your spouse and dependents may vote by an armed service absentee ballot only if they left Ohio to be with you.
What is the voting residence of a service member?
That place where you resided when you first entered the service, unless you later establish a voting residence elsewhere in Ohio.
Must armed service absentee voters register?
Yes
How do I apply for an armed service absentee ballot?
You, your spouse or a close relative may request the Board of Elections to mail a ballot to you. Application may be made in person, or by mail or fax. An Ohio application form or a federal post card application may be used for convenience, but neither is required; however, all mail requests must include the following information:

  • Your name and voting residence (Ohio address)
  • A statement that you are serving in the U.S. armed forces or are the spouse or dependent of a service member
  • The election for which the ballot is requested
  • If the election is a primary, your party choice, or that you want an issues-only ballot
  • The mailing address to which you want your ballot sent
  • Signature of person requesting ballot