3 Things You Need to Know:
Absentee Ballot Request Applications Mailed: We started mailing absentee ballot request forms to all registered Ohio voters. Since 2012, the state legislature has authorized the mailing of absentee ballot application forms to registered voters in every even-year general election. Only after the completed application, including voter identification, is verified by bipartisan teams at a county board of elections is a ballot mailed to a voter. Read the full release here. A complete list of dates and deadlines for the 2026 General Election can be found here.
What Voters Can Expect:
Voters will receive an envelope with the distinct and recognizable label (image below) including the words “Official Election Mail” beginning this week.
Inside the envelope, they will find an explanation letter with important voting information and an absentee ballot request form.
Any eligible voter who wishes to cast an absentee ballot in the upcoming election can complete this form, provide the required identification, and return it to their county board of elections using the pre-addressed return envelope.
Boards of Elections will begin mailing absentee ballots to military and overseas voters on September 18 and to all other voters on October 6.
Voter Registration Deadline Quickly Approaching: The November 3rd General Election is quickly approaching, and Secretary LaRose is reminding Ohioans to register, or update their voter registration, by the October 5th deadline. Find everything you need to make your voice heard at VoteOhio.gov!
17,702 New Business Filings in August: Our hardworking Business Services team is proud to report that 17,702 new businesses were registered in August, bringing the 2026 total to 145,081. As the starting point for all new businesses in the state, our office provides essential resources for entrepreneurs. Check out Ohio's Business Data Dashboard for more detailed information!
Verify Ohio Weekly Update:
Important reminders as absentee ballot REQUESTS start hitting mailboxes
This mailer is an APPLICATION, not a ballot.
Voter identification and signature are checked TWICE during the process, first when the absentee ballot is requested and again when the voted ballot is returned.
Only valid registered voters who request a ballot can receive a ballot, and only after their information is verified by bipartisan teams at the local board of elections.
We created Verify Ohio as a trusted source for election information and business education. Follow us on your favorite social media channels @VerifyOhio.
Updates From Across Ohio
Secretary LaRose delivered remarks at the Central Ohio Malayalee Association’s Onam celebration in Columbus, where he recognized the community’s rich cultural heritage and highlighted the shared values of unity, public service, and civic participation.
Secretary LaRose visited Lakewood High School to encourage students to register to vote and engage in the democratic process. Special thanks to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections for partnering with the Secretary’s office to provide students with a hands-on mock election experience.
Eastern Regional Liaison Fiona Ruminski presented a proclamation recognizing the Canfield Fair’s beloved official poultry mascots and their place in this cherished community tradition.
West Central Regional Liaison Brian Metzbower (center-right) Paula Farrell, executive assistant to Secretary LaRose (center-left), joined city leaders to celebrate the grand opening of Gahanna’s new civic center. Metzbower and Farrell presented Gahanna city staff with a proclamation on behalf of Secretary LaRose.
Secretary LaRose met with Ukrainian American leaders from across Northeast Ohio at the Ukrainian Academy in Parma Heights for a roundtable hosted by Parma City Councilman Kevin Kussmaul. The group discussed issues of state and national importance and their impact on the region’s Ukrainian American community.
In Case You Missed It:
Ohio Secretary of State Leads Mock Vote Lesson for Lakewood High Students
Secretary LaRose Expands Statewide Training Program to Include Candidate 101 Courses
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced today an expansion of the office’s training platform to include publicly available training opportunities to help equip candidates with the resources to understand Ohio’s election process.
Absentee Ballot Request Forms to be Mailed Out to Ohio Voters
The Ohio Secretary of State’s Office has certified Heather Hill and Patrick Manley as write-in candidates for Ohio Governor and Lieutnenant Governor in the November 2026 Gubernatorial Election.