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Directives

Ohio Election Official Manual (Permanent Directives)

Due to recent changes in election law, certain provisions of the current Election Official Manual may be inconsistent with new law. Accordingly, revisions to these sections are scheduled in the upcoming months. Please review the most recent temporary directives and advisories below, and always consult your legal counsel on all election-related legal matters.

Complete Election Official Manual

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Directive 2026-28

Chapter 1

Introduction (PDF)

Directive 2026-29

Chapter 2

Board of Elections Organization and Operations (PDF)

Directive 2026-30

Chapter 3

Security (PDF)

Directive 2026-31

Chapter 4

Voter Registration (PDF)

Directive 2026-32

Chapter 5

Ballots (PDF)

Directive 2026-33

Chapter 6

Precincts, Polling Locations, and Precinct Election Officials (PDF)

Directive 2026-34

Chapter 7

Absentee Voting (PDF)

Directive 2026-35

Chapter 8

Provisional Voting (PDF)

Directive 2026-36

Chapter 9

Election Day Voting (PDF)

Directive 2026-37

Chapter 10

Canvassing the Vote (PDF)

Directive 2026-38

Chapter 11

Post-Election Activities (PDF)

Directive 2026-39

Chapter 12

Election Equipment and Voting Systems (PDF)

Directive 2026-40

Chapter 13

Petitions (PDF)

Directive 2026-41

Chapter 14

Candidates (PDF)

Directive 2026-42

Chapter 15

Political Parties (PDF)

Directive 2026-43

Chapter 16

Miscellaneous Duties (PDF)

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Appendix A

Resources (PDF)

Other Directives

Directives Archive (No Longer in Effect)

Directives Archive