Election Day for the 2026 midterm election, where the governor and Senate races are both polling close, is several weeks away, but Ohio voters can cast ballots before Nov. 3 through early in-person voting or absentee voting by mail, each with its own deadlines.
Here are the key dates Ohio voters should know ahead of Election Day.
When is Ohio's voter registration deadline?
Ohio voters must register by Oct. 5 to participate in the Nov. 3 election. County boards of elections and the secretary of state's office will remain open until 9 p.m. that day.
When Election Day 2026 in Ohio?
The last day to vote in person in Ohio is Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., according to the Ohio Secretary of State's office.
When is the last day of early voting in Ohio?
Early in-person voting for the midterms ends November 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.
What are Ohio's in-person early voting hours?
Early in-person voting begins Oct. 6 and includes the two Saturdays and the Sunday before Election Day.
- October 6–9: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- October 12–16: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 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.
When are Ohio's absentee ballot registration, voting deadlines?
Ohio absentee ballot applications must be received by a county board of elections by 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3, for most Ohio voters.
Key 2026 election dates
Here are the major voting deadlines and dates to keep in mind before Election Day:
- Voter registration deadline: Oct. 5
- Early in-person voting ends: Nov. 1
- Absentee ballot application deadline: Oct. 27 at 8:30 p.m.
- Deadline for most absentee ballots to be received: Nov. 3 by 7:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Some Ohio early voting starts today, but when is the voting deadline?
