As we prepare for the November 5, 2019 General Election, we want to inform you of the possible U.S. withdrawal from the Universal Postal Union (“UPU”) in mid-October 2019 as it may affect the delivery and return of absentee ballots. Please review the information below. Please note that the United States has not made a final determination on whether to withdraw from the UPU at this time, but we are sending this message out of an abundance of caution ahead of the 2019 Election and will continue to communicate any updates about the situation that we receive.
Ohio allows for the electronic delivery of a ballot to a military or overseas voter. Beginning September 20, 2019 (46 days before the November election), ballots may be faxed or emailed upon request via the Federal Postcard Application (“FPCA”). Requesting your ballot as soon as possible will allow for the most time and flexibility in returning your ballot.
If you have not already done so, complete the application by following these instructions:
1. Complete this form located here: https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca.pdf.
a. Be sure to provide a form of ID (last four digits of SSN, Ohio driver’s license number, or one of the forms of ID listed here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/id-requirements), your date of birth, and your name.
b. In section 2, please input your voter registration address in Ohio. To check what this address is, please visit https://voterlookup.sos.state.oh.us/voterlookup.aspx or visit the board of elections’ website in the county in which you last resided or reside.
c. In section 3, please use your current address where your voting materials will be sent (if you request that those materials are mailed).
d. In section 4, please list both a primary and alternate email address.
e. In section 5, specify your preference for receiving voting materials. Email is the fastest method and avoids outbound reliance on international mail.
2. Print and sign form.
3. Scan the completed and signed form (or take a picture), email (quickest method), fax, or mail the form to the board of elections in the county in which you last resided or reside. Please see a board of elections directory here: http://www.ohiosos.gov/sos/elections/electionsofficials/boeDirectory.aspx#dir
Once your ballot is voted, it must be returned by mail or in person. If you return the ballot by mail, you can track the status of your ballot request by visiting https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/ballot-tracking/ and selecting the county in which you are registered to vote.
If you have not already done so, please request your absentee ballot as soon as possible. If mailed, your voted absentee ballot for the November 5, 2019 General Election must arrive at the county board of elections no later than November 15, 2019 to be counted. The deadline to return a ballot in person is 7:30 p.m. on November 5, 2019.
If you need assistance, please feel free to contact our Military & Veterans Outreach Coordinator, Aaron Locker at (614) 644-1761 or by email at alocker@ohiosos.gov.
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