2026 Ohio Elections

Key dates

State & Federal Elections

Early voting, mail ballot, and registration deadlines below are calculated from Ohio's standing rules for each election date. Always confirm with your county election office.

1. Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · Primary Election · CompletedShow detailsHide details▾

   In-person early voting

   April 7, 2026 – May 4, 2026

   In-person early voting begins the day after the voter registration deadline (about 28 days before the election) and continues through the Monday before Election Day, at county boards of elections.

   Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)▾

   Voter registration deadline

   April 5, 2026

   Voter registration closes 30 days before the election; Ohio does not have same-day registration.

   Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)

   April 28, 2026

   Any voter may request a no-excuse absentee ballot; applications must generally be received by the board of elections by noon on the Tuesday before the election (about a week prior).

   Mail ballot return

   Postmark by May 5, 2026; must arrive by May 9, 2026

   Mail ballots must be postmarked no later than the day before the election and are counted if received within 4 days after Election Day.

2. 22 days away

   General Election

   NOV03

   2026Tuesday

   In-person early voting

   October 6, 2026 – November 2, 2026

   In-person early voting begins the day after the voter registration deadline (about 28 days before the election) and continues through the Monday before Election Day, at county boards of elections.

   Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)▾

   Voter registration deadline

   October 4, 2026

   Voter registration closes 30 days before the election; Ohio does not have same-day registration.

   Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)

   October 27, 2026

   Any voter may request a no-excuse absentee ballot; applications must generally be received by the board of elections by noon on the Tuesday before the election (about a week prior).

   Mail ballot return

   Postmark by November 3, 2026; must arrive by November 7, 2026

   Mail ballots must be postmarked no later than the day before the election and are counted if received within 4 days after Election Day.

By jurisdiction

Local Elections

Local election dates vary by jurisdiction. Find local election information through your Ohio elections office.

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