Ohio voters don't have to wait until Election Day to see what's on their ballot. The state's sample ballot directory lets voters preview candidates and issues before heading to the polls on Nov. 3.
Here's how to find your ballot, check your registration and keep track of key voting deadlines.
How to find your Ohio sample ballot
Every Ohio county will be voting on different candidates and issues, so the ballots on Election Day will vary depending on where you live. It's important to note them before heading to your polling place.
The Ohio Secretary of State's office provides a Sample Ballot Directory. To find your ballot:
- Know the name of your county, find it on the Ohio map (or on an alphabetical list), and click on it
- Enter your first and last name
- When your name pops up, you will find "Sample Ballots" under "Quick Links" on the far right
- Click "View Ballot"
- View or download your sample ballot
When is Ohio's 2026 general election?
The election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
When does early voting start?
Early in-person voting begins Oct. 6 and includes voting on the two Saturdays and the Sunday before Election Day.
Early voting and absentee ballot deadlines
Early in-person voting for the midterms ends November 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8:30 p.m. on October 27. For most Ohio voters, completed absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.
Key Ohio election dates for 2026
As the 2026 midterm election approaches, Ohio voters should keep several important deadlines in mind.
- Oct. 5: Voter registration deadline
- Oct. 6: Absentee and early in-person voting begins
- Nov. 1: Early in-person voting ends
- Oct. 27: Absentee ballot application deadline
- Nov. 3 by 7:30 p.m: Deadline for most absentee ballots to be received
Ohio to purge 209,000 voters in 2027. How to check your voter registration, avoid cancelation
Before making a voting plan, it's also worth confirming that your voter registration remains active.
The Ohio Secretary of State's office recently flagged 208,856 voter registrations currently scheduled for cancellation on Jan. 27, 2027. Those registrations can be searched through the state's voter database.
To check if you're registered to vote in Ohio, visit the state's voter search lookup page and enter your first and last name, and your county of residence.
Voters can avoid cancellation of their registration by:
- Updating or confirming their voter registration online, by mail or in person.
- Voting in the Nov. 3, 2026 election.
- Updating or confirming their address.
- Submitting an absentee ballot application.
- Signing a candidate or issue petition that is verified by election officials.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio early voting starts soon, but voters can already see sample ballots
