3 Things You Need to Know
1. Deadline Approaching for Write-In Candidates
The declaration of intent deadline for write-in candidates is 4 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 72 days prior to the Primary Election. Check out the official 2026 Ohio Elections Calendar for more dates and deadlines.
2. Serve Your Community. Be A Poll Worker
We are less than three months away from the May 5 Primary Election, and the countdown is on! All 88 county boards of elections are actively recruiting poll workers to help ensure every eligible Ohioan can securely make their voice heard. Poll workers are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the voting process, assisting voters, and providing support throughout Election Day. If you're interested in doing more to fulfill your civic duty, consider signing up to be a poll worker!
3. Confirm Your Registration is Up-to-Date
With important 2026 elections approaching, Secretary LaRose urges Ohioans to confirm their registration is up to date if they have moved or changed names since they last voted. In the coming months, county boards of elections will also contact any Ohioan who may need to provide additional information to verify their record. If you receive a notice, please respond promptly. For questions about your registration, contact your local board of elections.
Verify Ohio Weekly Update
Question
Now that the petition filing deadline has passed, what is the process for candidates to make the ballot?
Let's Verify!
After a candidate has filed their declaration of candidacy or nominating petition, the following steps are completed to verify the candidate is eligible to appear on the ballot:
Verification of Petition Signatures
Checking Candidate Eligibility
Resolution of Challenges or Protests
Certification of Candidate’s Petition
Submission of Certified Candidate List
Inclusion on the Ballot
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
Secretary LaRose had the privilege to ride in a patrol helicopter with members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol this week. The Secretary saw how Ohio's state troopers literally go above and beyond to keep Ohioans safe. Thank you to Sgt. Andrew Edinger and Tactical Flight Officer Taylor Vogelmeier for the opportunity.
The Greater Dayton Mayors & Managers Association met this week and welcomed Secretary LaRose to discuss the power of voting and the exciting economic growth across the Greater Dayton Region.
Eastern Regional Liaison Fiona Ruminski presented a proclamation to Monroe County Board of Elections Director Mollie Landefeld. The recognition by the Secretary of State's office is in honor of Landefeld's retirement after 15 years of service.
Deputy Director of Regional Services Kenny Henning joined state and county elected leaders from Montgomery County to celebrate Esther Price Chocolate's 100-year anniversary. Founded in Dayton in 1926, Esther Price has been an economic driver across Ohio.
In Case You Missed It:
LaRose Releases List of Statewide, Federal Candidates
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced the list of partisan candidates who submitted petitions to run for statewide office in the May 5 primary election.
Seneca Board Certifies Election Petitions
The Seneca County Board of Elections certified petitions Monday afternoon for the May 5 primary election, solidifying the field for a county commissioner race and confirming a slate of 30 contested races for the Republican Central Committee.