Located in the central part of the county, it borders the following townships: Two incorporated municipalities are located in Franklin Township: part of the village of Anna in the north, and part of the city of Sidney, the county seat of Shelby County, in the south.

As well, the unincorporated community of Swanders lies in the township's center.

[4] It is one of twenty-one Franklin Townships statewide.

[5] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.