As Ohio prepares for the May 5, 2026 Primary Election, voters who choose to vote by mail should be aware of an important requirement that may impact whether their ballot is counted. Under Ohio's new law, absentee ballots must be received by your county board of elections before polls close on Election Day.
Voters planning to vote absentee should request and return their ballots early to allow sufficient time for delivery. Absentee ballots may also be personally delivered directly to the voter’s county board of elections before polls close on Election Day. Verifying deadlines and submission options in advance can help avoid issues on Election Day.
A recent change to Ohio law also helps maintain accurate voter rolls by addressing a small population of inaccurate records that need to be resolved. These mismatches may involve a voter’s date of birth, Social Security number, and/or driver license or identification number. If your board of elections asks you to update or verify your info, it’s important that you respond promptly. Voters who receive such a notice by mail will be asked to update their information. If a voter's information is not updated in advance and they come to vote on Election Day, they may be required to cast a provisional ballot unless they provide the proper verification. Accurate voter rolls matter, and Ohioans can be proud that we take it seriously in the Buckeye State.
Staying informed about voting procedures and promptly responding to official notices can help ensure a smooth voting experience. Ohio voters are encouraged to review their registration information and make any necessary updates ahead of Election Day so their votes are counted.
Voting is a right and responsibility that we cherish as Ohioans. Everything you need to make your voice heard can be conveniently found at VoteOhio.gov.