March 17, 2020 Update: Polls will be closed March 17, 2020. Governor DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton have executed an order closing all poll locations due to the extreme health risk of COVID-19. As developments occur, we will have updates available.
March 16, 2020 Update: Franklin County Judge Frye has rejected Governor DeWine's request to move the election to June 2, 2020. The primary will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 as previously scheduled.
During Governor DeWine’s March 16, 2020, COVID-19 press briefing, Ohio officials announced the difficult decision to postpone the state’s Primary Election, scheduled for March 17, to June 2, 2020. Governor DeWine noted that he does not have the authority to extend the election, so an emergency lawsuit will be filed seeking postponement of the election. The governor also noted that he could not urge people to stay at home while at the same time urge people to exercise their right to vote. Therefore, delaying the election ensures that Ohioans will be able to cast a ballot but will also help reduce the risk of further infection. Joining Governor DeWine at the press conference, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose made clear that health and safety were non-negotiable. Secretary LaRose said that absentee voting by mail will continue. Votes previously cast through early voting will remain in storage and will get counted on June 2. As developments occur, we will have more information and updates available on our COVID-19 Resource Center.
