Ohio midterm election 2026: How to apply for an absentee ballot ahead of the November election

As the midterm election due on November 3, Ohio voters can request an absentee ballot if they want to vote by mail. Voters do not need to give a reason to vote absentee. All they need to do is complete an application and send it to their county board of elections. The deadline to request a ballot is October 27, 2026.

Get the absentee ballot application

You can visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s absentee ballot application page to access the application form. You can also use the official Form 11-A PDF.

Then you fill up the application with proper information. It asks for your name, registered home address and date of birth. You must also provide one of the accepted forms of identification:

• Your Ohio driver's license or state ID number.
• The last four digits of your Social Security number.
• A copy of an accepted photo ID.

Also Read: Missouri midterm elections 2026: How to check your voter registration status before Election Day

One person is advised to check whether they have completed all required fields or not. Sign and date the application. You can mail it or deliver it in person to your county board of elections.

You can find your county office and its address through the official Ohio election office directory. The application must arrive by the close of business on October 27, 2026.

The page also asks the voter if they want a poll worker. If any person is interested they can fill out the form and tick the option ‘YES.’

Wait for your ballot and return it on time

Once the county board of elections processes your request, it will mail your ballot to you. You can track your request and ballot through Ohio’s ballot tracking service.

You can also download the appropriate absentee request form from the web. If someone is hospitalized, a military or overseas voter, or a person with a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.