USPS Urges Ohio Voters to Mail Absentee Ballots Early Ahead of Election Day

WCTU — With just under two weeks until Election Day, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and Ohio election officials are reminding voters to submit their absentee ballots promptly. USPS has implemented "extraordinary measures" to ensure that mail-in ballots are processed and delivered to local election boards on time, as the window for voting by mail narrows.

Ohio voters still have several important deadlines to keep in mind. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail or absentee ballot is Oct. 29 at 8:30 p.m., which means applications must be received by the county board of elections by that time. For those planning to mail their completed absentee ballots, they must be postmarked on or before Nov. 4. Voters can also hand-deliver their ballots, but they must arrive at the board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, Election Day.

"We strongly encourage voters to act quickly to avoid any issues," a USPS spokesperson said. "These extra measures, including additional mail collections and early ballot pickups, are aimed at ensuring timely delivery." In a show of commitment, USPS will conduct special ballot runs on Nov. 2, 4, and 5, making extra deliveries to boards of elections across the country. Postal carriers will also check residential mailboxes more frequently to identify any outgoing ballots, expediting their transit.

USPS has a proven track record of delivering election mail efficiently, even during high-demand periods. The agency reported a 99.89% on-time delivery rate for ballots in the 2020 general election, which increased slightly to 99.93% in 2022. To streamline the process, some local post offices will feature dedicated ballot drop-off lines, allowing voters to bypass regular queues.

Under Ohio law, absentee ballots are available for all elections, including the upcoming Nov. 5 general election. Voters can request an absentee ballot up to seven days before Election Day, but it’s crucial to verify voter registration status before applying. Additionally, special provisions are in place for those who are hospitalized, military or overseas voters, and individuals with qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ohio's early in-person voting will end on Nov. 3 at 5 p.m., after which absentee ballots must be mailed or delivered by hand. Voters should carefully check their county board of elections' requirements, as rules may vary slightly by location. The final voting period on Election Day will run from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at polling stations.

USPS’s "extraordinary measures" will include early collections on key dates, ensuring that ballots make it to their destinations on time. A key focus will be on postmarking ballots immediately, which is essential as state laws vary on the cutoff for mail-in ballots to be counted. Voters are reminded to double-check their state’s rules to avoid any last-minute issues.