Vote by Mail FAQs

Montgomery County Board of Elections (MCBOE)

451 W. Third St. Dayton, OH 45422      (937) 225-5656

 

 

Is voting by mail the same as casting an absentee ballot?

Yes. Absentee ballot = mail in ballot = vote by mail. Any registered voter in Ohio can request an absentee ballot. If you are voting by mail, you are encouraged to get in your vote early.

 

Why do I have to request an absentee ballot?

In Ohio registered voters must request an absentee ballot, which allows the state to closely monitor voting, assure security, and prevent voting fraud. Request your ballot early!

 

Where do I mail my completed absentee ballot?

Your completed ballot must be postmarked by November 2, 2020 – the day before the Election. However, because of expected high volume, voters are encouraged to send in their votes early. If you are Montgomery County resident, mail completed ballots to:

Montgomery County Board of Elections
Absentee Department
451 W. Third St. Dayton, OH 45422

 

Where can I drop off my completed ballot?

The MCBOE office at 451 W. Third St. Dayton, OH 45422 is the ONLY place you can physically drop off a completed ballot. MCBOE provides drop boxes inside and outside their building to collect completed ballots. Ballots will be accepted in the drop boxes until the close of polls on Election Day – 7:30pm November 3, 2020.

 

Can I drop off my absentee ballot at my regular polling place on Election Day?

No. Regular polling places will NOT accept absentee ballots. Your absentee ballot must be mailed or delivered directly to the MCBOE.

 

What if I request an absentee ballot, then decide to vote early instead?

Your absentee ballot must be voided. This may take additional time at the polls.

 

What if I request an absentee ballot, then decide to vote at my polling place on Election Day?

Your vote at the polls will be provisional until it can be proved that you didn't send in the absentee ballot. Provisional ballots are counted ten days after the election, but are included in the final official vote count.

 

What if I can’t remember if I voted by mail?

You can track your absentee ballot here - Check My Absentee Request

 

Will absentee ballots be included in Election night returns?

Yes. Absentee ballots are among the first counted. The MCBOE will begin preparing mail-in votes to be counted before Election Day. (Taking ballots out of envelopes, checking ballots against voting records, preparing to scan, etc.)

Mail in Ballots will be counted beginning when the polls close at 7:30 pm on Election Day, November 3, 2020.