3 Things You Need to Know:
Grads Vote Packets Sent to Graduating High School Seniors: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose sent over 150,000 Grads Vote packets this week to graduating high school seniors to encourage civic engagement and recruit Election Day poll workers as part of the Youth at the Booth program. Read more here.
Official Canvass Period Continues: Ohio's 88 county boards of elections began the Official Canvass for the May 6 Ohio Primary/Special Election. This process involves elections officials formally reviewing, tabulating, and reporting all legally cast ballots. The boards have until May 26 to complete their canvasses, after which time the Secretary will review county results and formally certify the election. For more information on Ohio's elections go to VoteOhio.gov.
Election Transparency at Your Fingertips: Transparency is a key component of election integrity and our new data dashboards give Ohioans an unprecedented look into historical election results. The office now publishes interactive dashboards with voter registration snapshots, election results, and absentee and early voting data. You can check out our newest dashboard at OhioSoS.gov/Data.
Verify Ohio Weekly Update:
Question
When does the Official Canvass take place?
Let's Verify!
While Ohio always reports the unofficial results on Election Night, the Official Canvass takes place within 21 days of the election. During that time, boards of elections carefully review and count provisional ballots, cured absentee ballots, and any other valid votes. This process ensures every eligible vote is counted accurately and transparently for the final tally. Learn more about the Official Canvass here.
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Updates From Across Ohio
Crain's Cleveland Business hosted a productive conversation with Secretary LaRose about misconceptions around election administration, our preparations for the 2026 General Election, and how community leaders can take an active role in helping keep Ohioans informed.
Secretary LaRose served as a speaker at the MilVets Armed Forces Day Luncheon and Scholarship presentation this week. The event honored the service, sacrifice, and leadership of our nation’s military community. Secretary LaRose spoke about life after military service and encouraged attendees to continue serving by educating the next generation about the sacrifices required to preserve our freedoms and way of life. Secretary LaRose also gave a special thank you to the families of our service members. A debt of gratitude is owed to those who love and support those who serve.
The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Legislative Reception welcomed Secretary LaRose to connect with business and community leaders from across Northwest Ohio. Thanks to the Chamber for hosting a great evening of conversation and collaboration.
Northwest Ohio Regional Liaison AJ Nowaczyk presented a commendation to Chris Malanga of Bryan City Schools in honor of his Callie Wells Award on Monday May 11 at the Bryan City Schools Board Meeting. This award is presented to the Outstanding Communicator from the Ohio Association of School Business Officials.
Secretary LaRose received an up-close look at the new USS Cleveland, a Freedom-class littoral combat ship of the United States Navy. The ship is the first ship in the history of the U.S. Navy to be commissioned in Ohio.
Secretary LaRose attended the NFIB Legislative Reception and Meeting this week. The Secretary LaRose talked with small business owners from across Ohio about job creation and improving Ohio's already strong economy.
In Case You Missed It:
Ohio Absentee Ballot Returns Steady After Deadline Change
A new election law gives Ohio voters less time to return their absentee ballots. Early data shows return rates remained steady, even as some ballots were rejected under the tighter deadline.