Ohio 2020 Primary Election is Now by Mail-In Ballot ONLY

Note: The information in this article is valid as of March 26, 2020. Given the frequent changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible that things will continue to change. If you have any questions about Ohio's 2020 Primary Election, visit VoteOhio.gov or contact your local board of elections.

Ohio lawmakers recently passed legislation to extend Ohio's 2020 Primary Election through April 28, 2020, eliminate in-person voting for most people, and accept mail-in "absentee" ballots only. There are exceptions for disabled voters and those who have no access to mail. Contact your county board of elections.

If you have already cast a ballot, you are good to go and your vote will be counted. If you have not cast a ballot, you MUST VOTE BY MAIL to make your voice heard.

If you're used to voting in person, voting by mail may seem a little more complicated. However, it is important for all gun owners to vote for pro-gun candidates and not let the added difficulty frustrate you. Anti-gun groups hope to take advantage of the coronavirus confusion to sway the election.

Ohio's Secretary of State Frank LaRose will be mailing postcards with information about voting by mail. But we recommend that you ACT IMMEDIATELY if you intend to vote. Mailing things back and forth takes a lot of time. And time is short.

VOTE BY MAIL INSTRUCTIONS

Voting by mail requires 2 steps. You will be dealing exclusively with your county board of elections. First, you must request an absentee ballot application, complete it, and mail it back. Second, when you receive the absentee ballot, you must complete it and mail it back. Each voter must complete these 2 steps.

> > > Click here to look up your country board of elections.

1. Request an absentee ballot application.

You can do this by phone or print one online. The deadline to request a ballot is noon on April 25.

PHONE: Call the office during posted business hours. When you receive the application, fill it out and mail it back to your county board of elections.

or

ONLINE: Click here to fill out an online form. Follow the directions carefully. Print the form and mail it back to your county board of elections.

Note about the online form: Be sure to enter March 17, 2020, for the Primary Election date. Also in the "type of election" section, select "3. Primary Election," then select "a. Primary Election: Political party ballot," then select your political party from the dropdown list. Click on the "Open Printer Friendly PDF" link at the bottom of the page and print the form.

2. Complete and mail your absentee ballot.

Ballots must be postmarked by April 27.

Click here to see our grades and endorsements for primary races.

We expect the confusion surrounding this election to suppress voter turnout. Many gun owners who normally vote in person may choose to not vote at all. This is tragic and could cost us all dearly in the years ahead when we're working on legislation. Please don't let the pandemic stop you from voting. We must ALL do our part, now more than ever.

Dean Rieck is Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association, a former competitive shooter, NRA Patron Member, #1 NRA Recruiter for 2013, business owner and partner with Second Call Defense.