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2026 Elections
How to Vote in Ohio: 2028 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours
Everything you need to vote in Ohio for the November 7, 2028 general election — when to register, when early voting opens, how to vote by mail, and when polls close.
Rules as of September 17, 2026 · verify at Ohio's official election site
Election Day
November 7, 2028
Quick Answer
- Register By
- 30 days before Election Day
- Early Voting
- Opens ≈ Oct 5, 2026
- Mail Ballot Request By
- 7 days before Election Day, close of business
- Polls Close
- 7:30 p.m. ET
- Election Day
- November 7, 2028
Build your Ohio voting plan
Choose how you plan to vote and we'll narrow the checklist below to the steps and dates that apply to you.
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Nov 7, 2028
What's on Your Ohio Ballot
Every U.S. House seat is up for election every two years. Whether a U.S. Senate seat is also on the ballot depends on the state.
U.S. House of Representatives
All of Ohio's U.S. House seats are on the 2028 ballot. View Ohio's current delegation →
U.S. Senate
On the ballotThe November matchup: Jon Husted (R) vs Sherrod Brown (D).
Ohio Supreme Court
On the ballot2 seats are on the 2028 ballot. Local judges may be on your ballot too. See the candidates and how Ohio chooses judges →
To see every race you will vote on — including judges and local measures — check your sample ballot from your county or local election office, starting at Ohio's official election site.
Find your Ohio representative and senators
Enter your address to see exactly who represents you before you vote.
Voter Registration in Ohio
To vote in the November 7, 2028 general election, register by 30 days before Election Day.
Dates marked ≈ are computed from state statute and can shift with county practice. Confirm your exact deadline and check your registration status at Ohio's official site.
Early Voting in Ohio
Early voting opens ≈ October 5, 2026 — 29 days before Election Day. It runs through 5 p.m. Sunday before Election Day.
Confirm exact locations and hours — which vary by county — at Ohio's official election site.
Voting by Mail in Ohio
Any registered voter in Ohio may request a mail ballot — no excuse required. Request deadline: 7 days before Election Day, close of business.
Return rule: Must be received by close of polls on Election Day
Track your ballot: use Ohio's ballot tracker to see when your ballot was mailed, received and accepted. Ohio’s page links each county board of elections’ tracker.
Details and request forms are at Ohio's official election site.
Voter ID Requirements in Ohio
A photo ID is required to cast a regular ballot. A voter without one casts a provisional ballot and must return with acceptable ID (typically within a few days) for it to count.
See the full list of accepted ID at Ohio's official election site.
Poll Hours in Ohio
Polls are open until 7:30 p.m. ET on November 7, 2028.
See how Ohio's closing time compares nationwide on the full poll closing times by state page, or confirm your local hours at Ohio's official election site.
When Ohio Certifies Its Results
Election-night totals are unofficial. The count becomes official in two steps:
- Local: County boards of elections — by about November 24, 2026. The official canvass starts at least five days after the election and must finish by the 21st day.
- Statewide: Secretary of state — December 4, 2026 on the 2026 calendar. Latest date: the secretary of state certifies within 10 days of the county deadline.
Certifying is a required step, not a second vote on the result. What happens if a local board won’t sign off, every state’s deadlines and how a result can be challenged are on how election results are certified.
Live on Congress Countdown
Live countdown to Election Day — and every date in between
Registration deadlines, early voting, and the full 2026 election calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to register to vote in Ohio?
30 days before Election Day Confirm the exact date at https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/.
Can I vote early in person in Ohio?
Yes. Early voting opens around October 5, 2026 (29 days before Election Day) and runs through 5 p.m. Sunday before Election Day.
Do I need ID to vote in Ohio?
A photo ID is required to cast a regular ballot. A voter without one casts a provisional ballot and must return with acceptable ID (typically within a few days) for it to count.
When do polls close in Ohio?
Polls close 7:30 p.m. ET on November 7, 2028.
How do I vote by mail in Ohio?
Request a ballot (no excuse needed) — 7 days before Election Day, close of business. Must be received by close of polls on Election Day
Is it too late to register to vote in Ohio?
30 days before Election Day Confirm at https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/.
How do I track my mail ballot in Ohio?
Use Ohio's ballot tracker (https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/ballot-tracking) to see when your ballot was mailed, received and accepted. Ohio’s page links each county board of elections’ tracker.
Where can I see a sample ballot for Ohio?
Your county or local election office publishes sample ballots before each election. They list every race you will vote on, including judges and local measures. Start at Ohio's official election site (https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/).