Request Absentee Ballot Online and by Mail

You are entitled to vote by absentee ballot in Ohio without providing a reason.



Absentee ballot applications may be obtained from the Franklin County Board of Elections or the Secretary of State. The Ohio Secretary of State’s website is www.voteohio.gov, and their phone number is 1-877-767-6446.

Begin your online absentee ballot application by clicking “Apply for an Absentee Ballot.”

Fill all applicable fields in the form, review the information for accuracy, press “Generate PDF Application to Print,” and print the form.

Mail the completed form to:

Sending the completed form as a picture or other non-standardized forms may cause delays in the processing of your application

Absentee Department

Franklin County Board of Elections

P.O. Box 182111

Columbus, OH 43218-2111

Voter registration forms, absentee ballot applications and completed ballots may be placed in our secure drop box, located outside the Early Vote Center at 1700 Morse Road. The secure drop box is checked every day by a bipartisan team of Board of Elections employees. The drop box is kept under 24/7 video surveillance.





Live in Franklin County but are not yet a registered voter? Register to vote in Franklin County.

Not a Franklin County resident? Please visit your local Board of Elections' website for county-specific instructions.

Want to register to vote using a paper form? Download a blank ballot application (PDF).