Early voting wrapped up on Monday in Ohio and Kentucky, and the numbers show a historic level of participation. Ohio voters cast more than 1.6 million early and absentee ballots, while Kentucky saw over 400,000 early voters – an increase of more than 100,000 compared with the 2022 midterms.

State‑by‑state breakdown

In Ohio, the early‑voting surge was driven by both in‑person voting sites and mail‑in ballots. The state’s election officials reported that the combined total of early and absentee ballots now exceeds 1.6 million, a figure that surpasses any previous midterm cycle in the Commonwealth.

Kentucky’s early‑voting offices recorded just over 400,000 ballots, reflecting a jump of roughly 100,000 voters from the 2022 election. The increase points to growing confidence in the early‑voting process and a strong desire among Kentuckians to have their voices heard before Election Day.

Local highlights

One notable hotspot was Southwest Ohio, where nearly 200,000 residents have already voted early. The majority of those voters are seniors, with many over the age of 65 taking advantage of the convenience and safety of early voting.

While Ohio and Kentucky have closed their early‑voting windows, Indiana’s early‑voting period remains open until noon on Monday, giving Hoosier voters additional time to cast their ballots before the statewide polls open on Tuesday.

What’s next?

Election Day is set for Tuesday, with polling places opening at 6:30 a.m. and closing at 7:30 p.m. in Ohio, and at 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Kentucky. Voters who missed the early‑voting window still have the opportunity to vote in person on Tuesday.

State election officials continue to monitor turnout and encourage all eligible voters to participate. The strong early‑voting numbers suggest a high level of civic engagement across both states, reinforcing the importance of every ballot in shaping the upcoming midterm outcomes.

Why early voting matters

Early voting offers flexibility, reduces crowding at polling places on Election Day, and provides a secure way for seniors and those with mobility concerns to cast their votes. The record‑setting participation in Ohio and Kentucky underscores the community’s commitment to exercising their constitutional right to vote.

As the nation looks ahead to a pivotal midterm election, the early‑voting data from Ohio and Kentucky serve as a reminder that engaged citizens are the backbone of a healthy democracy.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.