3 Things You Need to Know:
Record-Setting Gubernatorial Election: Ohio counted a record-setting 4,658,250 ballots on election night this week, surpassing the previous record set in 2022. Once again, our state showed why it is the Gold Standard for election administration by running a secure, accessible, and smooth election with unofficial results reported on election night. Thank you to Ohio’s outstanding local election officials and the nearly 40,000 Ohioans who served as poll workers. Visit LiveResults.OhioSoS.gov or your county board of elections' website to see election results.
Election Work Continues: Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections continue working after Election Day, processing valid military and overseas ballots and adjudicating provisional ballots. Counties may begin the Official Canvass on November 8th and complete it no later than November 24. The final step is a thorough post-election audit of the hard-copy paper ballots.
17,360 New Business Filings in October: Our hardworking Business Services team is proud to report that 17,360 new businesses were registered in October, bringing the 2026 total to 179,329. As the starting point for all new businesses in the state, our office provides essential resources for entrepreneurs. Check out Ohio's Business Data Dashboard for more detailed information!
2026 Election Day Kickoff Video
Verify Ohio Weekly Update:
Question:
I had to vote on a provisional ballot. How do I make sure my vote is counted?
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Ohioans who cast a provisional ballot have until Saturday to cure deficiencies at their local county board of elections. The county boards of elections directory can be found here.
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Election Day at The Office of the Ohio Secretary of State
Updates From Across Ohio
Secretary LaRose delivered the keynote address at the Building Hope for Our Heroes dinner in Akron, supporting Tyler’s Redemption Place’s campaign to build Heroes Hall. The new space will offer healing, peer support and resources for veterans facing substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Thank you to Travis and Shelly Bornstein and everyone working to bring Heroes Hall to life and support Summit County’s veteran community.
West Central Regional Liaison Brian Metzbower presented Michelle Roberts (center-left) with a proclamation to celebrate the opening of Goodwill Galion. Congratulations to Michelle on this exciting milestone, and best wishes for continued success!
Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison Dustin Russell celebrated alongside a first-time Ohio voter during early in-person voting. Secretary LaRose is recognizing Ohioans who voted for the first time with a personalized certificate. If you cast your first ballot in Ohio, request your certificate here.
East Central Liaison Caleb Shriver presented Trackside Pub owner Christi Dolick with a proclamation to celebrate the pub’s opening in Coshocton, Ohio. Congratulations to Christi and the Trackside Pub team on this exciting milestone. Wishing them every success as they welcome the community!
In Case You Missed It:
LaRose: Un-official Ballots Break Ohio Gubernatorial Voting Record
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Wednesday that unofficial ballot numbers showed Ohio broke a voting record. As of Wednesday night, a record 4,658,250 ballots, which are unofficial, were counted in Ohio’s midterm election election. This marks a new record for Ohio gubernatorial elections, according to LaRose.
How Poll Observers Help Protect Integrity of Ohio's Elections
Of the many layers meant to protect the integrity of Ohio's elections, poll observers are one small but important part. J. Cherie Strachan, director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron, said political pundits are anticipating high levels of poll observers nationwide this cycle.