For Immediate Release
Important Reminder for Voters: Check Your Absentee Ballot Application Date
[Tiffin, OH – July 18, 2023] – The Seneca County Board of Elections has recently encountered an issue regarding absentee ballot applications. The Board has been receiving outdated and invalid absentee ballot applications, which have been incorrectly distributed by a special interest group directly to voters. To safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, the Seneca County Board of Elections urges all voters to verify the date on their absentee ballot application to ensure its validity.
The correct and current form to be used for absentee ballot applications bears the date 2/7/2023. The invalid form being circulated by the special interest group displays a date of 8/2017. It is crucial for voters to exercise caution and ensure that their absentee ballot applications are completed with accurate and up-to-date information.
Here is a link to the correct form on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website: https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/elections/forms/11-a_english.pdf
When the Seneca County Board of Elections receives an invalid absentee ballot application, they immediately notify the affected voters via phone call and a letter, detailing the issue and its resolution. As part of their efforts to rectify the situation, the Board’s dedicated staff members are also contacting these voters directly and providing them with the correct absentee ballot application form.
In light of this situation, the Seneca County Board of Elections strongly encourages external organizations that may distribute absentee ballot applications to voters to strictly adhere to the Secretary of State’s prescribed form.
According to a directive issued by the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, absentee ballot applications must be submitted on the prescribed Form 11-A dated 2/7/2023, as required by H.B. 458.
For absentee ballot applications received before the deadline (seventh day prior to the election), the Board will accept applications submitted on the Secretary of State’s previously prescribed form, provided that the voter includes a valid form of ID as mandated by H.B. 458. Acceptable forms of identification include:
– An Ohio driver’s license number or state ID card number
– The last four digits of the voter’s Social Security Number (SSN)
– A copy of the voter’s photo ID
The Seneca County Board of Elections is committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that every eligible voter’s voice is heard. Voters are urged to be vigilant, verify their absentee ballot application’s date and use the correct and valid form.
For any further questions or concerns, please contact the Seneca County Board of Elections at (419) 447-4424.
NOTE: The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail is Tuesday, Aug. 1. That day the Board of Elections will be open until 8:30 p.m.