Ohio Senate passes bill requiring mailed ballots arrive on Election Day

COLUMBUS — Most absentee ballots would be required to arrive at the appropriate local board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted, under legislation approved by the Ohio Senate.

State Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R., Bowling Green), a primary co-sponsor of Senate Bill 293, said the measure would “ensure a timely and accurate collection process by eliminating the four-day extension for absentee ballots.”

Ms. Gavarone pointed to a U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in 2024 finding that ballots must be cast and received by Election Day, saying the bill would bring Ohio into compliance with federal law.

“This is not simply a Republican initiative or concern. Minnesota, a reliably blue state, passed legislation to comply with federal law,” she said, noting that 34 states currently require absentee ballots to be received on or before Election Day.


https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2025/11/06/ohio-senate-passes-bill-requiring-mailed-ballots-arrive-on-election-day/stories/20251106097