Many Ohioans have been at the polls to vote early before Election Day on November 3. For those still waiting to vote, you can always view your sample ballot before casting your vote.
Early voting has been happening since October 6, with in-person hours ending Nov. 1. How many Ohioans have voted so far? Here are the numbers.
How many people in Ohio have voted early before Election Day?
According to Ohio's Election Dashboard, the office of Secretary of State Frank LaRose office has issued 1,240,470 early voting ballots as of Oct. 23.
The Secretary of State has issued 712,710 absentee mail-in ballots, and 395,033 have been returned for a ballot return rate of around 55%.
So far, 527,760 voters cast their ballots in person.
Of the 1,240,470 early-voting ballots issued by the secretary of state's office, 922,793
have been returned, a rate of roughly 74%.
The 922,793 completed ballots represent 11.2% of the approximately 8.2 million registered voters Ohio had in the 2024 election (according to the state's Legislative Service Commission).
When did Ohio early voting begin?
Early voting began on Oct. 6, according to the Ohio Secretary of State website. In-person voting continues until Nov. 1. Most mail-in ballots must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Early in-person voting includes the two Saturdays and the Sunday before Election Day. Here are the hours:
- October 19–23: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- October 24: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- October 26: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- October 27: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- October 28–30: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- October 31: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- November 1: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What are early voting options 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.
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.
Early voting can also be done in person ahead of Nov. 3. Poll locations open on Oct. 6, per Ohio’s voting schedule.
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: How many have voted early in Ohio before Election Day? See the numbers
