Ohio Primary Voter Guide
Everything you need to know to vote in the 2026 Ohio Primaries.
What is a Primary?
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Voters choose each party’s candidate for the November general election.
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Ohio primaries are semi‑open: any registered voter can choose one party’s ballot (Republican, Democratic, sometimes Libertarian).
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Some primaries also include a nonpartisan ballot with school board races, judges, or local issues.
Key Primary Dates & Deadlines
20
March
Military/Overseas Early Voting Begins
5
April
Voter Registration Deadline
7
April
Early Voting Begins
28
April
Last Day to Request Absentee Ballot
3
May
Last Day of Early Voting
5
May
Primary Election Day
5
May
Absentee Ballot Deadline
Ballot must be received by 7:30 pm on May 5 (not postmarked)
Who is Eligible to Vote in Ohio
To vote in Ohio you MUST meet all the following requirements:
You must be a citizen of the United States.
You must be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote.
You have not been declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court.
You must be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the general election.
You are not incarcerated (in jail or in prison) for a felony conviction.
You have not been permanently disenfranchised for violations of election laws.
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