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.
It’s less than two weeks away from Election Day 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 and a range of municipal races in Franklin, Delaware and Licking counties, many voters will have a busy ballot this year.
Here’s what to know ahead of the Nov. 4 election:
When is Election Day 2025?
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
However, early in-person voting between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. began Oct. 7, as did absentee voting by mail.
Voting for military and overseas absentee voting began Sept. 19.
When does early voting end in Ohio?
Beginning the week of Oct. 27, a week before the general election, extended in-person and weekend early-voting hours will be available for voters at the following times:
- Oct. 27, 29, 30 and 31: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Oct 28: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Nov. 1: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Nov. 2: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The final day to cast your early vote is Sunday, Nov. 2. There is no early voting on Monday, Nov. 3.
Can you still get an Ohio absentee ballot?
Yes. Absentee ballots can be requested and either dropped off in a secure ballot box or mailed to your county Board of Elections.
The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 28.
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 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 seeking re-election: Stacie Baker, Barth Cotner and Mildred Johnson.
- Challengers: Angela Abram, Kamal Subedi.
Hilliard City Council
- Tina Cottone, Kathy-Parker Jones, Nadia Rasul, Andy Teater, Jim Martin, Les Carrier and Bevan Schneck.
When is the next election for governor in Ohio?
You won’t be voting for governor this year, even though some candidates are already out on the campaign trail.
The next governor’s race and the race to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate will be during the Nov. 3, 2026, midterm general election. A primary election will be held on May 5, 2026.
Declared candidates for Ohio thus far include Republicans Vivek Ramaswamy and Heather Hill, and Democratic hopeful Amy Acton. Republican Jon Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown are expected to compete for the seat in the U.S. Senate vacated by Vice President JD Vance.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
