Want to vote early in Ohio for the upcoming general election??? That process, including absentee voting by mail, is underway. Absentee ballot applications must be received by your Board of elections by October 29th. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 4th. Absentee ballots may be returned to your local county Board of Elections by the time polls close at 7:30pm on November 5th.