What to know about early voting for 2025 fall election
Looking to vote early? Here’s what to know in Franklin, Delaware and Licking counties.
- Central Ohio voters will decide on several key issues and municipal races on Election Day, November 4.
- Voters can still request an absentee ballot until October 28 or participate in extended early in-person voting hours.
- Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 in Ohio.
With issues like the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug and Mental (ADAMH) levy, a $1.9 billion bond package for the city of Columbus, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium levy and a range of municipal races in Franklin, Delaware and Licking counties, many voters will have a busy ballot this year.
You can find information from 129 candidates in contested races in our voter guide.
Look for complete results on Dispatch.com Tuesday night and in Thursday’s print edition.
When can I vote?
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Nov. 4. The final time for early in-person voting is from 1 p.m. to 5. p.m. today at your county’s board of elections. There is no early voting on Monday, Nov. 3.
Can you still get an Ohio absentee ballot?
No. The last day to request an absentee ballot was Tuesday, Oct. 28.
If you return your absentee ballot by mail, it must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day and received by your county board of elections no later than four days after the election, according to the Ohio Secretary of State. Ballots dropped off at your county board of elections must be dropped off by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
What are the big races in Ohio?
City council, school board members, and municipal office holders have filled in the ballot this year.
Here are some council races from major cities:
- Columbus school board: Six candidates (Antoinette Miranda, Patrick Katzenmeyer, Jermaine Kennedy, Mounir Lynch, Janeece Keyes and Kimberly Mason) are vying for three seats, with no incumbents in race. A Dispatch debate with the candidates can be found on YouTube.
- Columbus City Council, District 7: Two Democrats are facing off in the only contested council race — Tiara Ross, an assistant city attorney, and Jesse Vogel, a public-interest attorney.
- Dublin City Council: Ward 1: Amy Kramb (incumbent) vs. Imran Malik; Ward 2: Wendy Johnson, Joy Lagunzad Kouns and Jean Philemond; Ward 3: John G. Reiner, Greg Lam and Colin Louis Albers; Ward 4: Cathy DeRosa and Kent A. Weakley.
- Grove City Council: Ward 1: Ted Berry vs. Greg Solt; Ward 3: Anthony Wilson vs. Alan Sturm; Ward 5: Amy Cowell vs. Mohamed Omar; At-large: Julieann Burroughs, George J. Holinga and Joel Newby.
- Reynoldsburg City Council: Incumbents Stacie Baker (Democrat), Barth Cotner (Republican) and Mildred Johnson (Democrat) are seeking re-election and are being challenged by Reynoldsburg City Schools Board President Angela Abram (Democrat) and Kamal Subedi (Republican). Elect three.
- Hilliard City Council: Tina Cottone, Kathy-Parker Jones, Nadia Rasul, Andy Teater, Jim Martin, Les Carrier and Bevan Schneck. Elect four.
What ID do I need to vote?
According to the Ohio Secretary of State website, there are several forms of identification acceptable to vote, including:
- Ohio driver’s license
- State of Ohio ID card
- Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
- A U.S. passport
- A U.S. passport card
- U.S. military ID card
- Ohio National Guard ID card
- US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
