COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) — Ohio’s primary election is Tuesday, marking the start of a pivotal election year in which all statewide offices will be on the ballot, including U.S. Senate, governor and attorney general.
Voters in Putnam, Hardin, Van Wert and Hancock counties will also see local primary races for commissioner, judge or both.
The only notable change affecting voters this year involves absentee ballots. According to the Ohio Secretary of State's Office, about 160,000 absentee ballots were requested statewide, but only 121,000 have been returned.
“So, what that means is that there are 10s of 1000s of absentee ballots still out there. And so if you've got one on your kitchen table or sitting on the dashboard of your car, it's too late to mail it at this point, but it's not too late to get it in. The bottom line is it's got to be at the board of elections by 7:30 pm (Tuesday) tomorrow night. 7:30 pm on election night. Just drive down there. They've got a drop box. It's a secure box under video surveillance. You pull up and drop it in, or you can take it inside and give it to the elections officials in there,” says Frank LaRose, (R) Ohio’s Secretary of State.
LaRose also reminded voters heading to the polls to be prepared.
“Bring your ID, because that's required in Ohio. Also bring a smile to thank those poll workers, your your neighbors, half Democrats, half Republicans, all all patriots working together to conduct Election Day in the Buckeye State,”adds Larose.
Polling locations will open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7:30 p.m. Voters with questions about their polling location are encouraged to contact their local board of elections.
