ls,
that is an awesome spreadsheet. A couple of questions:
1. Does your spreadsheet count early voting (non-absentee-ballot) at all? Does the 740,725 2008 total include any early voting?
2. When is the OH deadline to request an absentee ballot?
"An application by mail must be received by your county board of elections by noon on the third day before the election. An application by you in person must be received by your board of elections by 6 p.m. the last Friday before the election."
I’ll have to check on both these. I think early voting starts this week, but I’m not sure. BTW, LdSentinal reports similar good numbers for NC absentees.