VOTING is one of the most impactful things you can do for yourself and your community. Every person in the United States is represented by elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Voting allows the people to choose these representatives in the government. It ensures we have a voice and it ensures that our voices are heard.
You can register to vote, update your voter registration information, view voting options and much more at the Ohio Secretary of State website.
ACCESSIBLE ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Ohio has a remote ballot marking system for use by voters with a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This system allows Ohio voters with a qualifying disability, the ability to request an accessible absentee ballot via email and to mark his or her ballot privately and independently, and to then mail it in to his or her county board of elections.
The application form for accessible absentee ballots is entitled “Application for Absent Voter’s Ballot by a Voter with a Disability & Request to Use Remote Ballot Marking System” and is available on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. The applications should be completed electronically, printed, signed, put in an envelope (with the correct postage) and mailed to your local board of election.
You will then receive an electronic link for the absentee ballot which will allow you to use a screen reader and/or remote ballot marking device to vote privately and independently. The completed absentee ballot can then be printed and mailed in to your county board of elections just like any other absentee ballots.
To have your voice heard between elections, research legislation and contacting your elected officials. Use your voice and be active on issues and public policy ideas by calling, email, written communication or visits.
- For federal legislation, go to Congress.gov
- For Ohio legislation, go to the General Assembly Search
Who are your elected officials?
| The Ohio Senate | US Senators |
| The Ohio House of Representatives | US House of Representatives |
| Ohio Executive Branch | Ohio Counties Elected Officials |
Voting Schedule for the 2021 Elections
AUGUST 3, 2021 SPECIAL ELECTION
Military & Overseas Absentee Voting: Begins June 18 (46 Days Before Election Day)
Early In-Person Voting: Begins July 7 and includes the Saturday, Sunday and the Monday before Election Day
Absentee Voting By Mail: Begins July 7 (29 Days Before Election Day)
Election Day: August 3 (Polls Open 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
IMPORTANT DATES:
JUNE
June 18: Military and Overseas Absentee Voting begins
JULY
July 6: Deadline to Register to Vote. Boards of Election open regular business hours.
July 7: Absentee Voting by Mail begins (ends August 2)
July 7: Early In-Person Voting begins
July 31: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot (Noon)
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS FOR JULY
July 7-9: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
July 12-16: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
July 19-23: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
July 26-30: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July 31: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
AUGUST
August 2: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date
August 3: General Election: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
August 3: Voters are able to drop off absentee ballot at their county board of elections office until 7:30 p.m.
August 13: Last day for boards to receive mail-in ballots that have been postmarked on or before August 2
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS FOR AUGUST
August 1: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
August 2: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER 2, 2021 GENERAL ELECTION
Military & Overseas Absentee Voting: Begins September 17 (46 Days Before Election Day)
Early In-Person Voting: Begins October 5 and includes the Saturday, Sunday and the Monday before Election Day
Absentee Voting By Mail: Begins October 5 (28 Days Before Election Day)
Election Day: November 2 (Polls Open 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
IMPORTANT DATES:
SEPTEMBER
September 17: Military and Overseas Absentee Voting begins
OCTOBER
October 4: Deadline to Register to Vote
October 5: Absentee Voting by Mail begins (ends November 1)
October 5: Early In-Person Voting begins
October 30: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot (Noon)
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS FOR OCTOBER
October 5-8: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
October 11-15: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
October 18-22: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
October 25-29: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
October 30: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
October 31: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER
November 1: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date
November 2: General Election: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
November 2: Absentee Ballots May Be Returned by Mail or Personally Delivered to Your County Board of Elections. If Not Returned by Mail, Absentee Ballots Must Be Received by Your Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m.
November 12: Last day for boards to receive mail-in ballots that have been postmarked on or before November 1.
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS FOR NOVEMBER
November 1: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.