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Allen County Ohio Board of Elections  »  Armed Services & Overseas Citizens

Armed Services & Overseas Citizens

Register to Vote With FPCA (Federal Post Card Application)

Registering to vote and applying for an absentee ballot are as simple as completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) form and returning it to our office. You can use the FPCA to register to vote if you are not already registered and to apply for an absentee ballot for the entire calendar year.

You may also visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) online to do the following:

  1. Register and/or request an absentee ballot
  2. Request a ballot if you have not received a previously requested ballot
  3. Track your ballot

For additional information and FAQ you may visit FVAP online or you may also  visit Ohio Military Votes.

In-person Absentee Voting

Uniformed and overseas voters may vote in-person absentee starting 35 days before the election until the close of the polls on the day of the Election at the Board of Elections Office.

Absentee Voting by Mail

Absentee Ballot requests begin 45 day prior to the election and are accepted until noon the Saturday before the election.

Complete and mail application to:

Allen County Board of Elections
P.O. Box 5008
Lima, Ohio 45802

Armed Service and Overseas voters may also return the voter registration form by mail, fax or email prior to the registration deadline.

Or Email your application to allen@sos.state.oh.us
(Armed Services and Overseas Voters Only)

Or Fax your application to 419-222-0311
(Armed Services and Overseas Voters Only)

Applications must be received by noon of the third day (Saturday) before Election Day

Absentee Ballots must be returned by mail at anytime but must arrive at the Board of Elections on or before the 10th day after the election to be counted.

Useful Links

Qualified electors who are members of the uniformed services or residing overseas may apply for an absentee ballot in any of the following ways:

  1. You may use the current Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), available online at www.fvap.gov.  The FPCA may be used both to register to vote and to request absentee ballots.
  2. You also may request an absentee ballot using a form prescribed by the Ohio Secretary of State (Form 11-A, if you will be in Ohio during the absentee period; otherwise, use an FPCA).
  3. If you already are a registered Ohio voter, you may designate an eligible relative to request an absentee ballot on your behalf, like using the Secretary of State prescribed Form 11-E or the FPCA.

Prescribed Forms

An Armed Service or Overseas Voter’s Application may also be obtained by visiting: