What changes to absentee voting will Ohioans see during the 2026 election?
OHIO, USA — Ohio voters will face a significant change in how mail-in absentee ballots are counted in the state.
Beginning Friday, March 20, Senate Bill 293 will take effect. The new law, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine back in December, will revamp key deadlines and procedures in Ohio's election code in an effort lawmakers say will strengthen election integrity and standardized counting practices statewide.
Under prior Ohio law, domestic absentee ballots that are properly postmarked by Election Day can be received and counted by a county's board of elections up to four days after the election. The grace period has allowed ballots delayed by mail service issues — but still mailed on time — to be included in final election tallies.
SB 293 will eliminate that grace period. Unless the ballot comes from a military or overseas voter covered by federal UOCAVA rules, all mail-in ballots must be received by the appropriate board of elections office by the time polls close on Election Day to be counted.
https://www.wtol.com/article/life/legally-speaking/changes-to-absentee-voting-ohioans-will-see-during-the-2026-election-legally-speaking-new-ohio-law/512-3d88ba9c-b470-4d32-a50f-4102ccfb68c6