3 Things You Need to Know:
Don't Miss Your Chance to Vote in May! Are you registered to vote in the 2026 Ohio Primary Election? The deadline to register to vote is Monday, April 6. The Ohio Secretary of State's office and the 88 county boards of elections will be open until 9 pm on Monday to assist. Be sure to check your registration or get registered at VoteOhio.gov.
Early Voting Starts Tuesday: The 2026 Ohio Primary Election kicks off Tuesday, April 7, with the start of Early Voting. Find your polling location, track your absentee ballot, view your ballot, and more at VoteOhio.gov.
2026 Primary Early Voting ScheduleApril 7 to 10: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April 13 to 17: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April 20 to 24: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April 27: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
April 28: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
April 29 to May 1: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May 2: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 3: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
19,669 New Business Filings in March: The Ohio Secretary of State’s office is proud to report that 19,669 new businesses were registered in March, bringing the 2026 total to 56,504. 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 am 17 years old but will be 18 by Election Day in November. Am I allowed to vote in the May 5 Ohio Primary Election?
Let's Verify!
Yes! In Ohio, a person who is 17 years old at the time of a primary election, but will be 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election, is allowed to vote in that primary election.
However, their ballot is limited to candidates seeking nomination for the general election.
They cannot vote on questions, issues, or state and central committee contests in the primary.
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 Across Ohio
Eastern Regional Liaison Fiona Ruminski attended Monroe County’s first poll worker training of 2026, where she presented “I Voted” pins to poll workers as a token of appreciation from Secretary LaRose for their service and commitment to Ohio’s elections.
Northeast Regional Liaison Dustin Russell traveled to Erie County to meet with Melissa Bayer Smith of Family First Council. Dustin presented the council with a proclamation on behalf of Frank LaRose in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
West Central Regional Liaison Brian Metzbower presented a proclamation to Champaign County Democratic Party Board Member Lynn Mintchell in recognition of her more than 25 years of service as she retired from the board.
Eastern Regional Liaison Fiona Ruminski presented a proclamation to Kibbe Consulting in celebration of its ribbon-cutting in Columbiana. Ben Kibbe, Greg Serafino, and Tess Emerson accepted the proclamation on behalf of the company.
The Hamilton County Board of Elections hosted their “Behind the Ballot” event this week, giving local media a behind-the-scenes look at the many steps taken to ensure Ohio runs another smooth and secure election on May 5. Thank you to all of our boards of elections across the state working hard to promote voter education and transparency in their counties.
In Case You Missed It:
The Deadline to Register to Vote in Ohio’s May Primary is Monday, April 6
Ohio voters need to be sure they’re registered by the April 6 deadline in order to vote in the May 5, 2026, primary election.
Read More Here
Decision 2026: What to know about Ohio's Voting Laws Before May 5
Secretary of State Frank LaRose has more on how Ohioans can register to vote, check their status and rules on mail-in ballots.
