Today is the last day to register to vote in Ohio before Election Day 2026. That's when voters will fill out their ballots with their preferred gubernatorial and Senate candidates on November 3.
Many polls showing close races for both offices. But you don't have to wait until Election Day to cast your vote.
When does early voting begin in Ohio? What are the dates, hours and deadlines? Here’s are the key details to know about early voting in Ohio.
When does early voting begin in Ohio?
Early voting begins on Oct. 6, according to the Ohio Secretary of State website. You can register to vote until 9 p.m. on Oct. 5 for the 2026 midterms.
What are the early in-person voting hours in Ohio?
You can vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot — you can print the request at home, or the application can be mailed to you. More information on absentee ballots
is available on the Secretary of State website. Most mail-in ballots must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Early voting can also be done in person ahead of Nov. 3. Poll locations open on Oct. 6, per Ohio’s voting schedule. The dates and times are as follows:
- Oct. 6–9: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Oct. 12–16: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Oct. 19–23: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Oct. 24: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Oct. 26: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 27: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (absentee ballot applications must be received by local boards of elections by 8:30 p.m.)
- Oct. 28-30: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 31: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Nov. 1: 1-5 p.m.
You can find your early voting location by county here.
Those with disabilities can request an accessible absentee ballot, which uses assistive technology for an accessible format. More information about the accessible absentee format is available from the Secretary of State website.
Curbside voting is also available for those who are physically unable to enter early voting polls but can complete a ballot in their car. For this option, contact your county board of elections.
Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day on Nov. 3.
How do I register to vote in Ohio?
You can register to vote in the state of Ohio via the Secretary of State website. You can also update your voter registration information using the same link.
Be sure to have the following handy when registering to vote:
- Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card number
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
What are Ohio voting hours on Election Day 2026?
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Absentee ballots must be returned to local boards of elections by 7:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: When does Ohio early voting start? In-person voting hours, deadlines
