Ohio has embarked on a significant initiative ahead of the November election, mailing absentee ballot request forms to all 8 million registered voters. This effort, led by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, aims to streamline the voting process for the upcoming election, which includes crucial races for governor, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate seats.
The mailings, which include an official absentee ballot application form and a return envelope, are part of Ohio’s established procedure for presidential and mid-term election years. However, this year’s process is unfolding against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s push to increase federal oversight of voting by mail, including proposals to grant the U.S. Postal Service new authority to verify ballot envelopes against voter information.
Understanding the current mail-in voting landscape in Ohio
Despite the national debate, Ohio’s mail-in voting process remains under state control, with voters and election officials following long-standing rules. The state has been sending unsolicited absentee ballot request forms to registered voters since 2012, with the approval of the state legislature. However, it’s important to note that Ohio does not automatically send mail ballots to all registered voters; individuals must request them using an official form.
About 1 million people voted by mail in the November 2024 presidential election, although this number has been decreasing in recent years. Most Ohio voters still cast their ballots on Election Day, with a growing number opting for in-person early voting.
Key deadlines and requirements for Ohio voters
Ohio voters have several important deadlines to keep in mind for the November election. The deadline to register to vote or update your registration is Monday, Oct. 5. While Ohio does not require a photo ID to vote by mail, voters must provide either the last four digits of their social security number or their full driver’s license or state ID card number on the application form.
Completed absentee ballot application forms must be received by your local county Board of Elections by Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 8:30 p.m. Elections officials recommend requesting and returning ballot applications as soon as possible to avoid potential postal delays. Voters can track their ballot application status using a tool on the Secretary of State’s website.
Navigating potential federal changes
President Trump’s executive order earlier this year directed federal agencies to create state-by-state databases of all U.S. adult citizens and ordered the Postal Service to develop new requirements for mail ballots. The Postal Service has since issued a final rule granting the agency the power to approve or reject state mail ballot envelope designs, raising concerns among voter-rights advocates and Democrats about potential encroachment on states’ rights to administer elections.
The proposed changes have not yet been enforced due to multiple active federal lawsuits. However, the U.S. supreme court issued a ruling on Aug. 24 allowing the Trump administration to proceed with preparations for the new rules. The legal battle remains unsettled, and for now, Ohio’s rules for mail voting have not changed ahead of the November election.
Ensuring a smooth voting process
Ohio elections officials and voter-rights groups emphasize that mail voting is secure and remains a viable option for those who need it. Antone White, director of the Franklin County Board of Elections, reassures voters that the rules in place are the same as those used in previous elections. Steve David, ohio state director for All Voting is Local, encourages voters to submit their application forms as soon as possible to get ahead of any potential delays.
For those with concerns about voting by mail, early in-person voting options are available. Jen Miller, president of the Ohio League of Women Voters, suggests that voters who are worried should consider voting early if Election Day doesn’t work for them. Early in-person voting begins on Tuesday, Oct. 6 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1.
