Vote by Mail

Voters may request an absentee ballot by mail.  Ballots are mailed starting 29 days prior to the election (October 6, 2026).

The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 27, 2026.

Below are the steps you need to complete in order to successfully vote by mail:

  • Step 1 - Complete an application form 11-A prescribed by the Ohio Secretary of State. (In order for a ballot to be mailed to you, an application form will need to be filled out for each election). The deadline for your application to be received by the Board of Elections is October 27, 2026, at 8:30PM.

You have 2 options to receive your absentee ballot application

Option 1: Print your request and mail it to the Stark County Board of Elections at 3525 Regent Ave NE Canton, OH 44705. 

Option 2: Have an Application Mailed to You by Your Board of Elections.

Call 330-451-8683 to request an application

  • Step 2 - Mail the completed form to the Stark County Board of Elections or use the drop box at the office.
  • Step 3 - Once your form is received and processed a ballot will be mailed to you beginning October 6, 2026.
  • Step 4 - Fill out your ballot and ID envelope completely.
  • Step 5 - Mail your ballot back to the Board of Elections. Congratulations, your ballot has been cast!

In order for your application to be accepted, the following information MUST be correct on the Ohio Secretary of State 11-A form:

  • Your name and home address
  • Your birthdate and proper identification information (see application)
  • The election for which you are requesting a ballot
  • Your party choice if the election is a primary, or that you want to vote an issues-only ballot
  • The mailing address to which you want your ballot sent
  • Your signature

For your absentee ballot to be counted, it must be received as follows:

  • If you return your absentee ballot by mail, it must be received by your county board of elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. This is a change in the law effective March 20, 2026 R.C. 3509.05(D).  It is your responsibility to make sure the ballot has enough postage.
  • If you are returning your absentee ballot in person to your board of elections, you must do so by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Only you, your spouse, child, or a near relative* may deliver your ballot to the board of elections for you. A disabled voter may select any person of their choosing to deliver their ballot, other than their employer or an officer in their union.

Near relative includes the voter’s spouse or the voter’s father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, grandfather, grandmother, brother, or sister of the whole or half blood, or the son, daughter, adopting parent, adopted child, stepparent, stepchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece R.C. 3509.05(A).

  • If you are returning your Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) ballot by mail, the identification envelope must be signed by the close of polls on Election Day and received by your county board of elections by the fourth day after the election.

The U.S. Postage Service estimates that it may take 2-5 days for your voted absentee ballot to be delivered to the board of elections by mail. To make sure your absentee ballot is counted, it is your responsibility to return your ballot by the deadline.

You can use the "Track My Ballot" application to track the status of your application and track your ballot.

For any questions voting absentee, you can visit the Secretary of State's website, or call (330) 451-7034.

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions regarding voting absentee.