3 Things You Need to Know:
Every Vote Matters: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced a record number of close races in the 2025 General Election following a successful post-election audit. “Tight races underscore why election integrity matters, and it reinforces the need for a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful voting,” said Secretary LaRose. See all the close races here.
15,262 New Business Filings in December: The Ohio Secretary of State’s office is proud to report that 15,262 new businesses were registered in December, bringing the total for 2025 to 192,174. The 12-month total represents the most since 2021. As the starting point for all new businesses in the state, the Secretary of State’s office provides essential resources for entrepreneurs. Check out Ohio's new Business Data Dashboard for more detailed information!
A Look Back at a Successful 2025: From powerful new data dashboards to strengthened election security, 2025 delivered results. Explore the milestones that moved Ohio forward - read the full 2025 Year in Review here.
Verify Ohio Weekly Update:
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Question I want to start a business in Ohio. Do I need to come to the Ohio Secretary of State's office to file my business? Let's Verify! No! You can file your business online quickly and conveniently. Online filings can be expedited and are effective on the date they are submitted, or by the requested future date if permissible by the entity type or form submitted. Go to https://bsportal.ohiosos.gov/ to file online. We created Verify Ohio as a trusted source for election information and business education. Follow us on your favorite social media channels @VerifyOhio. |
Updates From Around Ohio
Eastern Ohio Regional Liaison Fiona Ruminski presented CASA Child’s Place with a commendation celebrating their 25th anniversary. In its 25 years of service, CASA has helped 2,025 children in the eastern Ohio area.
Southern Regional Liaison Jordan Leatherwood recently visited the Medical Shoppe in Gallipolis to celebrate its 45th anniversary. Leatherwood represented the Ohio Secretary of State's office in acknowledging the Medical Shoppe's unparalleled service to the needs of southern Ohioans.
Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison Dustin Russell attended an expo at Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub, where 13 innovation projects - including the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort - were announced. These projects mark the first research and development funding through the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub and will help lead to new jobs in northeast Ohio.
Deputy Director of Regional Operations Kenny Henning presented Xenia Mayor Ethan Reynolds with a commendation at his swearing-in recently. Reynolds begins his first term as mayor of Xenia.
In Case You Missed It:
Ohio Creates New Panel to Police Campaign Finance, Election Fraud
A new group is taking over the investigation of campaign finance violations in Ohio, and it begins work on Jan. 1.
It’s called the Ohio Election Integrity Commission, and lawmakers created it in the state budget to replace the longtime Ohio Elections Commission.
Ohio’s 2025 Tight Races Highlight Election Integrity Measures
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced there was a record number of close races in the 2025 general election. “Tight races underscore why election integrity matters, and it reinforces the need for a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful voting,” said Secretary LaRose.
Your Vote Counts: These Northwest Ohio Contests in the November 2025 Election Came Down to a Handful of Votes
Some elections are won in a landslide, and others are won by only a handful of votes. That's true in Ohio, where Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced nearly 100 close contests across the state - some of which were won by a single ballot - following the post-election audit.