3 Things You Need to Know:
Moats Withdraws Lieutenant Governor Candidacy: Stuart Moats submitted a withdrawal of candidacy this week for lieutenant governor as part of the joint Heather Hill/Stuart Moats ticket. Without a valid lieutenant governor candidate, Heather Hill no longer qualifies to receive votes for governor. Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections have been notified that votes cast for the Hill/Moats ticket will not be counted, and each board will provide public notice.
Absentee Application Deadline is April 28: Absentee ballot applications must be received by your county board of elections by 8:30 p.m., on Tuesday, April 28. Remember, if you plan to vote absentee, your ballot must be received by your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Important voter information, including weekend and Election Day voting hours, can be found at VoteOhio.gov.
Check Your Sample Ballot: At VoteOhio.gov, you can check your sample ballot for the May 5 Primary Election. Our interactive clickable map allows you to search your county, enter your name, and see your sample ballot and the issues and candidates you will vote on. Find your sample ballot here.
Verify Ohio Weekly Update:
Question
Who are Ohio's election observers and what do they do?
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In Ohio, election observers are appointed by political parties, groups of candidates, and issue committees. Separate from bipartisan teams of poll workers, these observers play an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in Ohio's election process. Every observer must take an oath before observing. Learn more here.
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Updates From Across Ohio
Secretary LaRose and staff celebrated Bring Your Kid to Work Day by welcoming our employees children for a behind the scenes look at how their parents support our elections and businesses. Through a hands-on scavenger hunt, the children learned how to vote, spot election fraud, and launch a business in Ohio. They even stepped up to take part in a mock press conference.
Secretary LaRose delivered remarks at a wreath-laying ceremony hosted by Air Force Junior ROTC OH-871 and the Columbus Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The ceremony honored Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis Angst, and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons. The Secretary recognized their sacrifice and service to our nation, noting that while nothing can replace their loss, their legacy endures.
Secretary LaRose toured the new Donald Reserve Apartments in Columbus this week. The new development is being constructed by Hayden Meyers Develpoment and will open this summer.
West Central Regional Liaison Brian Metzbower presented a proclamation to Megan Ada, owner of Asterisk Supper Club in Westerville. The restaurant is celebrating 10 years of service to the central Ohio community.
Northeast Regional Liaison Dustin Russell stopped by Ashtabula County to present a proclamation on behalf of Secretary LaRose in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Dustin also discussed how the “Safe at Home” program can help local social service agencies provide their residents a safe and secure way to vote.
In Case You Missed It:
Fallen Ohio Servicemembers Honored in Wreath Laying
Honoring three servicemembers in a first-of-its-kind ceremony. On Wednesday, Columbus City Schools and the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps held a wreath-laying ceremony to honor Captain Seth Koval, Captain Curtis Angst and Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons.
Read More Here
LaRose Talks Sending Ohio Voter Data to DOJ, Paper Ballots and Ending mail-in Voting
Ohio was among a dozen states that turned over voter registration data requested by the Trump administration. Secretary of State Frank LaRose said he's confident in making that decision. But in his first interview since returning after being deployed with the Ohio National Guard, he breaks from President Trump on other issues.
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Poll Workers Needed Ahead of Ohio's May 5 Primary
About 75% of people who serve as poll workers in Hamilton County come back at the next election to do it again, according to the elections board director.
Sherry Poland says that’s great, but that still leaves them short of what’s needed to open and manage the polls for the May 5 primary.
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