10/08/2026
Ohio Secretary of State Issues Voting Guidance for Nursing Homes
The Ohio Secretary of State’s office is asking nursing homes to review voting assistance procedures ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election. New guidance sent to nursing home administrators emphasizes residents’ right to vote while reminding facilities that staff must follow state and federal requirements when assisting with or handling absentee ballots.
What You Need To Know
- Ohio law allows county boards of elections to send two employees from the two major political parties to deliver and return absentee ballots for qualifying confined voters.
- Certain family members may return a resident’s absentee ballot under Ohio Revised Code 3509.05(C)(1).
- A voter who needs assistance because of blindness, disability or an inability to read or write may choose someone to assist them, subject to restrictions under federal law.
- Facility staff should not assume they are permitted to possess or return a resident’s absentee ballot. Ohio Revised Code 3599.21 restricts possessing and returning another voter’s ballot unless an exception applies.
What Happens Next
- Absentee voting and early in-person voting for the Nov. 3 General Election began Oct. 6. Regular absentee ballots must be received by the county board of elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
- Nursing homes should coordinate with their county board of elections in advance when residents need assistance voting. County boards can explain available options and arrange assistance for qualifying confined voters.
What to Do