3 Things You Need to Know:
Ohio Election Integrity Commission Launches: The Ohio Election Integrity Commission (OEIC) held its inaugural meeting, replacing the previous Ohio Elections Commission. Secretary LaRose swore in the commission’s five-member, bipartisan panel, which adopted its governing rules and procedures. More information about the OEIC can be found here.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Month: At the Ohio Secretary of State's office, we are committed to supporting survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence through our Safe at Home program. This program ensures that a participant’s personal information remains confidential and is not included in public records, allowing them to stay safe, participate in our democratic processes, and rebuild their lives. Learn more about Safe at Home here.
Petition Filing Deadline Approaching: The petition filing deadline for partisan candidates and local questions and issues for the May 5 Primary/Special Election is 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 4. View the full 2026 Ohio Elections Calendar here.
Verify Ohio Weekly Update:
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Fact or Fiction? Ohio voters can request absentee ballots in non-presidential election years on January 1. Let's Verify! This is a FACT! Ohio law allows you to request a ballot for any2026 electionstarting the first of the year! An absentee ballot request is required for each election. Learn more about absentee voting here. 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
America 250 Ohio kicked off its celebration of our nation's semiquincentennial this week. As part of the celebration, Secretary LaRose led the Pledge of Allegiance and asked those in attendance to understand what their pledge means.
Secretary LaRose swore in the members of the bipartisan Ohio Election Integrity Commission. The commission, with administrative support from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, is responsible for enforcing Ohio’s election laws, reviewing alleged violations, and ensuring accountability in matters relating to voting.
Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O'Donnell presided over the first meeting of the OEIC. Other members of the commission include:
Karl Kerschner, serving as the representative of the Ohio Senate President
Eben (Sandy) O. McNair, IV, serving as the representative of the Senate Minority Leader
Matthew Brown, serving as the representative of the Speaker of the House
John Lyall, serving as the representative of the House Minority Leader
Eastern Regional Liaison Fiona Ruminski presented newly elected Steubenville Mayor Ralph Petrella a proclamation from Secretary LaRose, congratulating him on his victory and wishing him success during his tenure.
East Central Regional Liaison Caleb Shriver presented a proclamation to Kobee VanDime, manager of Holy Pepperoni, celebrating the New Haven–style pizza restaurant’s recent grand opening in Ashland.
In Case You Missed It:
New Commission Begins Work Enforcing Ohio Election Laws
A new government body charged with enforcing election laws in Ohio begins work today.
The Ohio Election Integrity Commission began its work with a new, five-member panel that was sworn in and adopted new governing rules and procedures.
2026 Brings Changes for Mail-in Ballot Deadline in Ohio Elections
Ohio elections will operate a little differently from 2026 onward as a result of a GOP-passed law that, among other things, eliminates a grace period that allowed mail-in absentee ballots to be counted up to four days after the election.
Steubenville Government Welcomes New Leadership with Focus on Economic Growth
Mayor Ralph Petrella and Sixth Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Terpenning's terms in office began at Tuesday's Steubenville City Council meeting. During the meeting, Fiona Ruminski, regional liaison for the Ohio Secretary of State, presented a resolution to the new mayor.