Hamilton County voters have started early voting at the County Board of Elections office, and the same opportunity is now available throughout Ohio. Residents can vote in person during business hours or submit a mail‑in ballot, provided it arrives by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

New Mail‑In Deadline

State lawmakers have eliminated the four‑day grace period that previously allowed ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received later. Under the new rule, any mail‑in ballot must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. The change took effect for the May primary and will be the first time many Ohio voters experience it in a general election.

Election officials are urging voters to mail their ballots as early as possible. “We are expecting large numbers, especially at our early vote center,” said Sherry Poland, director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections. “It just seems that early in‑person voting is becoming increasingly popular here in Hamilton County, so we are expecting a big turnout there.”

What Voters Need to Know

Anyone voting early in person must bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. The Hamilton County office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours as Election Day approaches. Voters should check with their local board for specific locations and times.

In addition to the governor’s race, Ohioans will decide on several congressional seats, state secretary and treasurer positions, and a number of local tax levies, including a measure from Cincinnati Public Schools.

Enhanced Voter‑Roll Audits

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced an upgraded audit process that will continuously compare county and statewide voter rolls. “Maintaining accurate voter rolls requires detailed, ongoing work,” LaRose said. “Instead of relying on a once‑a‑year review, we can now examine records every day, identify discrepancies earlier, and make sure they are investigated and resolved.”

This daily audit aims to ensure that Ohio’s voter lists remain current and reliable, supporting the integrity of the upcoming election.

How to Vote Early

• Visit your county Board of Elections office during business hours.
• Bring a government‑issued photo ID.
• Submit a mail‑in ballot well before the 7:30 p.m. deadline on Election Day.
• Check the WLWT 2026 general election guide for detailed race information in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

With early voting underway and new safeguards in place, Ohio voters have multiple avenues to make their voices heard in this pivotal election cycle.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.