Dear Friends: This week, as our nation celebrates Independence Day, it is fitting that we honor our service members who continue to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, including right to vote. The Ohio Secretary of State's office joins the Federal Voting Assistance Program in recognizing June 28 through July 7 as Armed Forces Voters Week. I am happy to report that all 36 of Ohio's counties that are participating in the August 7, 2012 Special Election sent out military and overseas ballots on schedule to those who had requested them. My office will continue to work to ensure that our military service members receive the information and materials they need in order to vote in every Ohio election in which they choose to participate. If you are not yet familiar with our Military Ready-to-Vote program, please take a look at the video below or visit us at www.OhioMilitaryVotes.com: 
There is still time to register to vote and request a ballot for the special election.Fill out the FPCA form here OR use the FVAP wizard to assist you. The completed and signed form may be sent via email to OMV@OhioSecretaryofState.gov, via fax to (614) 485-7690, OR you can mail us the hard copy using this PDF entitled Return Envelope. If you are both registering to vote and requesting an absentee ballot, your form must be received by the voter registration deadline, July 9, 2012. If you are already registered and are simply requesting your absentee ballot by mail, email, or fax, the form must be received no later than noon on August 4, 2012. If you are requesting an absentee ballot in person by delivering your application to your local board of elections office, it must be received by the time polls close on Election Day. It is recommended you send your FPCA as soon as possible to allow adequate time for your county board to process and mail your ballot, and for you to complete and return the ballot by mail. What's on the Ballot:
Need info on the issues and candidates? You can find a list of what issues will be on the ballot in your county via the Secretary of State's website, or you can contact your county board of elections to determine if there is an issue in your local community. You can also contact our military liaison, Avi Zaffini at (614) 995.1697 or OMV@OhioSecretaryofState.gov. Virtual Vote Sticker:
Let your friends and family know you participated in the August Special Election by displaying a virtual Ohio voting sticker on your Facebook wall or sharing it with your Twitter followers. Simply like and/or follow OhioSOSHusted.Once you connect with my office on social media, you will also benefit from receiving regular elections updates and important voting information. Get your virtual voting sticker here: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/Upload/sites/sticker/Sticker.aspx?page=361 Have a happy Armed Forces Voters Week and a safe Independence Day! Sincerely, Jon Husted Ohio Secretary of State |