Military, overseas voting begins for May 6 primary

COLUMBUS — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced today that Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections have begun sending ballots to military and overseas voters, officially kicking off the May 6 primary election.

“Ohioans serving our country or living abroad should never miss the opportunity to have their voices heard back home,” said Secretary LaRose. “With the Military Ready-to-Vote Packet or Ohio Voter Passport, you can securely receive and cast your ballot from anywhere in the world while accessing the information you need to make an informed decision on candidates and issues.”

Military voters can find everything they need—including ballot request forms, deadlines, and submission instructions—at MilitaryVotes.Ohio.gov. Similarly, civilians currently overseas are encouraged to visit VoterPassport.Ohio.gov.

Who is eligible?

Under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), the following individuals can vote absentee while outside the country:

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Merchant Marines;

U.S. Diplomatic Corps and members of the U.S. Intelligence community;

Their family members; and

Other U.S. citizens residing outside the United States.

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Veterans: Answer the ‘Second Call to Duty’

Secretary LaRose is calling on his fellow service members and veterans to continue their commitment to defending democracy by serving as poll workers this election season.

“As veterans, we swore an oath to protect our nation. Now, I’m asking you to continue upholding that life-long oath by helping protect our democracy. You can do that by stepping up as a poll worker this spring,” LaRose urged.

The Second Call to Duty initiative encourages veterans to serve their communities in a new way—by ensuring Ohio’s elections run smoothly and fairly.

Key Dates for Ohio Voters
April 7 – Deadline to register to vote in the May 6 primary election
April 8 – Early voting begins, including absentee and in-person early voting
May 6 – Primary Election Day

For more information on voter registration, election deadlines, and how to become a poll worker, visit VoteOhio.gov—Ohio’s trusted source for election information.

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