The deadline for voter registration is here.
Eligible citizens must register or update their information by 9 p.m. on April 6, either online at VoteOhio.gov, by mail or in person at their local county board of elections to be able to vote in the upcoming primary election.
Some residents will receive new polling assignments or find themselves in different congressional districts, ahead of the primary election, according to the Hamilton County Board of Elections. To help voters prepare, the board will mail postcard notices outlining polling locations, voting districts, key deadlines and election information, according to Hamilton County Board of Elections Director of Elections Sherry Poland.
Officials also highlighted a recent change in Ohio law aimed at maintaining accurate voter rolls. Voters who receive a notice requesting updated or verified information are encouraged to respond promptly.
The primary election will determine party nominees for the November general election, including for governor, U.S. senate and U.S. House Representatives. Locally, several levies and bonds could appear on ballots depending on voter’s residency. Voters must choose a party ballot, Democratic, Republican or Libertarian, while some jurisdictions will offer an ‘issues only’ option. Party selection in a primary is recorded as part of a voter’s affiliation in Ohio.
Seventeen-year-olds who will turn 18 by the November 3, 2026, general election are eligible to register and vote in the primary for candidates, but not on issues or party committee races.
Voting Options:
- Early in-person voting: Begins April 7 and runs through May 3 at the Board of Elections office in Norwood.
- Election Day voting: Polls will be open May 5 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Vote by mail: Ballots begin mailing April 7; applications must be submitted by April 28.
Under a new state law, absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections before polls close on Election Day to be counted. Officials recommend voters request and return mail ballots early or deliver them in person.
A secure 24/7 drop box is available at the board’s Norwood location for voters submitting their own ballots. Ballots returned on behalf of others must be delivered during business hours with proper documentation.
According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, to register online you will need to provide the following: Ohio driver license or Ohio identification card number, name, date of birth, address and the final four digits of your social security number.