VOTING 101
Voting can sometimes be confusing, especially for first time voters or those who haven't voted in a long time. We're here to help - check out the sections below to guide you through the process. If you need further help, just ask - we'll walk you through the process.
STEP 1: Register to vote or check/update your voter registration.
STEP 2: VOTE - Request an absentee ballot to vote from home or away; vote early at the board of elections; OR vote on Election Day on May 4, 2021 at your polling location between the hours of 6:30am-7:30pm. **If you request an absentee ballot, be sure to mail it back in advance of election day by at least 2 weeks.
See the sections below for greater detail about these steps.
Register to vote/CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION
Ohio citizens can check their voter registration by calling their local board of elections or going online to the Ohio Secretary of State's website.
Due to legislation passed in Ohio, registered voters who have not voted in the past two years are no longer registered and need to RE-REGISTER - CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION NOW!
If you have recently moved or gotten married/changed your name, you need to UPDATE your voter registration record. You do that using the same process as registering to vote for the first time.
To be eligible to vote in the May 4, 2021 special election, you must be registered to vote before April 5, 2021.
Absentee Voting
Registered voters may vote from the comforts of their own home or from afar (say college) via an absentee ballot. To do so, you must first request an absentee ballot using the Absentee Ballot Application (linked to the right). Once you have submitted your absentee ballot application, a ballot will be mailed to you.
Applications to request an absentee ballot must be sent on or before May 1, 2021. We recommend getting them sent before at least three weeks in advance to ensure enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you and for you to get the ballot completed and mailed back before the May 3, 2021 deadline.
Completed ballots must be POSTMARKED via USPS by May 3 , 2021, and they must be received by the Board of Elections NO LATER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER ELECTION DAY. They may also be returned in person to the Shelby County Board of Elections by May 4, 2021 - it is recommended you return to the office to ensure timeliness.
Early Voting
THE SAFEST AND EASIEST WAY TO VOTE IS EARLY VOTING AT THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS!
Beginning April 6, 2021, registered voters may vote early at the Shelby County Board of Elections at 230 E Court Street, Sidney. Bring your photo ID to get your ballot. Vote. Tear the ballot stub off and scan your ballot into the machine. Place your stub in the box. (JUST LIKE ELECTION DAY!)
Hours for early voting vary and are below.
Early Voting Hours
Coming Soon
Board of Elections
Shelby County Board of Elections
230 E Court Street
Sidney, OH 45365
t: 937-498-7207
e: shelby@sos.state.oh.us