3 Things You Need to Know
1. Statewide Candidates File Petitions
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced the list of partisan candidates who submitted petitions to run for statewide office in the May 5, 2026, Primary Election. Bipartisan county election officials will now review the petitions to determine whether each candidate met the signature requirement to be placed on the ballot. See the list of candidates and read the full release here.
2. Annual Campaign Finance Reports Available
At OhioSoS.gov you can transparently search, view, and download campaign finance data filed with the Secretary of State's office. View and search finance reports here.
The full 2026 Ohio Campaign Finance Reporting Calendar can be found here.
3. 18,897 New Business Filings in January
2026 is off to a strong start for new business filings in Ohio. The Ohio Secretary of State’s office is proud to report that 18,897 new businesses were registered in January, the most in one month since 2022. 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!
Verify Ohio Weekly Update
Question
I need to look up and check my voter registration. Where can I do that?
Let's Verify!
Ohio voters are able to look up and verify their voter registration by visiting our website at voterlookup.ohiosos.gov. If you have specific questions about your registration, contact your county board of elections!
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Updates From Around Ohio
Tuscarawas County Commissioners Greg Hess and Mitch Pace, along with County Administrator Kris Lowdermilk and County Prosecutor Ryan Styler, welcomed Secretary LaRose to discuss the new board of elections building and the important relationship between county government and its boards of election.
Secretary LaRose met with New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day and Service Director Ron McAbier to discuss new projects under way within the city. These include revitalizing downtown and constructing a new interchange to provide safer access across New Philadelphia.
West Central Regional Liaison Brian Metzbower visited the Ohio State University's new Multispecies Animal Learning Complex's ribbon-cutting ceremony. In honor of the occasion, he presented a proclamation to Dr. Cathann Kress, the VP for Agriculture and Dean of OSU's College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences Complex.
Deputy Director of Regional Services Kenny Henning attended the annual Elder Sports Stag in Cincinnati on behalf of the Ohio Secretary of State. Proceeds from the event go to scholarships and facility upgrades at Elder High School.
In Case You Missed It:
Candidates Appearing on the State-Level Ballot During 2026 Election
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has announced the list of partisan candidates who have petitioned to appear on the May 5, 2026, primary election ballot.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose Champions MEGA Act for Nationwide Election Integrity
In an effort to instill greater trust in the country's electoral process, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose publicly endorsed the newly introduced Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act.