With Ohio’s May 5 primary less than five weeks away, election officials are reminding residents that time is running out to register and prepare under new voting rules.
The voter registration deadline is Monday, April 6, according to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office. Eligible Ohioans can register online at voteohio.gov or through their county board of elections.
Election boards across the state are also alerting voters to major changes in absentee ballot requirements following the passage of Senate Bill 293. The new law eliminates Ohio’s four-day grace period for mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day. Now, absentee ballots must arrive at county election offices by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day—the same time polls close—to be counted.
Officials say the rule changes make early voting and timely mailing more important than ever. “If you plan to vote by mail this year, don’t wait,” Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said in a recent statement. “Ballots arriving after Election Day, even if postmarked, will no longer count.”
Early in-person voting will continue through May 4 at county election boards, and absentee ballots can also be dropped off in person before polls close on May 5.
Ohio’s May 5 primary includes a range of local, state, and federal contests, including party nominations for congressional seats and several county-level offices.
For more information about registration, early voting, or ballot rules, voters can visit voteohio.gov or contact their local election board.
