The Allen County Board of Elections ensures that military personnel, their families, and U.S. citizens residing overseas can easily vote in elections. If you are an eligible voter under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), follow the steps below to register and request your absentee ballot.

How to Request a UOCAVA Absentee Ballot

Step 1: Complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)

  • The FPCA serves as both a voter registration form and an absentee ballot request.
  • Submission Deadline: Submit your FPCA as early as possible to ensure timely ballot delivery. Applications by mail, email, or fax must be received by the board by the close of business on the seventh day before the election.
  • Where to Submit:
    • By Mail: Allen County Board of Elections, 204 N Main St, Lima OH 45801
    • By Email: [email protected]
    • By Fax: 419.222.0311
    • In-Person: Visit the Allen County Board of Elections office.
  • Download the FPCA Form

Step 2: Receive & Complete Your Ballot

  • UOCAVA Ballots are sent out 46 days before an election.
  • You can receive your ballot by mail, email, or fax (based on your request).

Step 3: Return Your Completed Ballot

  • Deadline: Your ballot must be received by the close of business on the fourth day after the election.
  • Return Options: Ballots must be mailed back or returned to our office in person.

Emergency Backup Ballot (FWAB)

If you are concerned that your requested ballot will not arrive in time or that the ballot you mailed may not reach the Board in time, you may use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup, provided you have already submitted your FPCA.

Family Member Assistance

A family member may complete and submit an absentee ballot request on behalf of a military or overseas voter. Relatives of a UOCAVA voter may complete an application on behalf of a UOCAVA voter using SOS Form 11-E (Fillable PDF) and indicate their relationship to the voter.

Eligible family members: Relatives include spouse, father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, grandfather, grandmother, brother or sister of the whole blood or half blood, son, daughter, adopting parent, adopted child, stepparent, stepchild, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece of such a person. R.C. 3511.02(C)