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Ohio elections in 2026

This page lists Ohio statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Ohio​

Start with the official Ohio voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Ohio voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Online​

You must register or update your voter registration no later than 30 days prior to an election

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

You may also use the National Mail Voter Registration form

Deadlines

In Person​

In person registration deadline: 30 days before Election Day. You may obtain a voter registration form, and register to vote in person

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

Registering to vote and applying for an absentee ballot are as simple as completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) form (download a form from the Federal Voting Assistance Program website

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Ohio​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • June 19, 2026 — UOCAVA Absentee Voting begins: Military and Overseas Absentee Voting begins
  • July 7, 2026 — Early In-Person Voting begins: Absentee Voting by Mail and Early In-Person Voting begins
  • July 28, 2026 — Absentee ballot applications deadline: Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8: 30 p. m.
  • August 4, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Non-UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7: 30PM.
  • August 8, 2026 — UOCAVA absentee ballots return deadline: UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received (by mail) by boards of elections by this date to be counted.

Voter ID requirements in Ohio​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Ohio voter ID requirements.

Ohio election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — May 5, 2026​

Polls are open from 6: 30 a. m. to 7: 30 p. m.

Important dates​

  • March 20, 2026 — UOCAVA Absentee Voting begins: Military and Overseas Absentee Voting begins
  • April 6, 2026 — Deadline to Register to Vote: Deadline to Register to Vote. Boards of elections and the Ohio Secretary of State's office are open until 9 p. m.
  • April 7, 2026 — Early In-Person Voting begins: Absentee Voting by Mail and Early In-Person Voting begin
  • April 28, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8: 30 p. m.
  • May 5, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Non-UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7: 30PM.
  • May 9, 2026 — UOCAVA Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received (by mail) by boards of elections by this date to be counted.

Special Election — August 4, 2026​

Special Election Day: Polls are open from 6: 30 a. m. to 7: 30 p. m.

Important dates​

  • June 19, 2026 — UOCAVA Absentee Voting begins: Military and Overseas Absentee Voting begins
  • July 6, 2026 — Deadline to Register to Vote.: Deadline to Register to Vote. Boards of elections and the Ohio Secretary of State's office are open until 9 p. m.
  • July 7, 2026 — Early In-Person Voting begins: Absentee Voting by Mail and Early In-Person Voting begins
  • July 28, 2026 — Absentee ballot applications deadline: Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8: 30 p. m.
  • August 4, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Non-UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7: 30PM.
  • August 8, 2026 — UOCAVA absentee ballots return deadline: UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received (by mail) by boards of elections by this date to be counted.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • September 18, 2026 — UOCAVA Absentee Voting begins: Military and Overseas Absentee Voting begins
  • October 3, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Non-UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7: 30PM.
  • October 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline: Deadline to Register to Vote. Boards of elections and the Ohio Secretary of State's office are open until 9 p. m.
  • October 6, 2026 — Early In-Person Voting begins: Starting the day after the close of voter registration, registered voters may cast an early in-person ballot at their county board of elections. Absentee Voting by Mail begins
  • October 27, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8: 30 p. m.
  • November 2, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends 2 p. m Monday before election.
  • November 7, 2026 — UOCAVA Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received (by mail) by boards of elections by this date to be counted.

Official Ohio election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.