2026 Ohio Primary Election Dates & Voting Deadlines

The 2026 Ohio Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Below is everything Ohio voters need to know including registration deadlines, absentee voting rules, early in-person voting hours, and Election Day information.

When Is the 2026 Ohio Primary Election?

Election Day:

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Polling Hours:

6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Voters must be in line by 7:30 p.m. to cast a ballot.

Key 2026 Ohio Primary Election Deadlines

Military & Overseas Absentee Voting

Begins: March 20, 2026

Voter Registration Deadline

Deadline: April 6, 2026

Boards of Elections and the Ohio Secretary of State office remain open until 9:00 p.m.

If you are not registered by April 6, you will not be eligible to vote in the May 5 primary election.

Absentee Voting by Mail in Ohio

Absentee Voting Begins: April 7, 2026

Ballot Deadline: Absentee ballots must be received by your county Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on May 5, 2026.

Early In-Person Voting in Montgomery County, Ohio

Early voting begins April 7, 2026 and includes weekend voting before Election Day.

Early Voting Locations

Montgomery County Board of Elections

451 W. Third Street, Dayton, OH

Early Voting Hours – Montgomery CountY

April 7 – April 10

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

April 28 (Tuesday)

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

April 13 – April 17

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

April 29 – May 1

7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

April 20 – April 24

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

April 27 (Monday)

7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

May 2 (Saturday)

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

May 3 (Sunday)

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions:

2026 Ohio Primary Election

  • The Ohio Primary Election takes place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

  • Ohio voters must register by April 6, 2026 to be eligible to vote in the primary election.

  • Early in-person voting begins on April 7, 2026, and includes weekend voting before Election Day.

  • Absentee voting by mail begins on April 7, 2026.

  • Absentee ballots must be received by your county Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on May 5, 2026. Ballots received after that time will not be counted.

  • Early voting in Montgomery County takes place at the Montgomery County Board of Elections, located at 451 W. Third Street in Dayton, Ohio.

  • Polls close at 7:30 p.m. Voters who are in line by that time are allowed to vote.