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Ohio voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide statewide and federal races, a proposed constitutional amendment and local ballot issues. Early voting began October 6, and Election Day polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cincinnati-area voters should review State Issue 3, check whether their ballots include the Cincinnati Public Schools operating levy and verify their assigned polling locations. Voters can use official election resources to review candidates, understand ballot measures and confirm voting requirements before casting their ballots.
Ohio voters are preparing for the November 3, 2026, general election, with statewide races, a proposed constitutional amendment and local ballot issues shaping decisions at the polls.
The election will determine who holds key state and federal offices and how voters respond to proposals affecting election rules, public education and local government.
Early in-person voting and absentee voting by mail began October 6, giving registered voters several options before Election Day.
For Cincinnati and Hamilton County residents, checking the sample ballot is particularly important because local candidates and ballot questions vary by voting precinct.
Also read: What Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign is promising Greater Cincinnati voters
November 3 election: Key dates and voting deadlines
The November 3 election is an opportunity for Ohio voters to participate in decisions affecting state government, Congress and their local communities.
Ohio’s voter registration deadline was October 5. Eligible voters who registered by the deadline can vote early, request an absentee ballot subject to applicable deadlines, or vote at their assigned polling location on Election Day.
Here are the remaining important dates:
| Date | What voters need to know |
| October 24 | Saturday early voting, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| October 26 | Early voting, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| October 27 | Deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail. Applications must be received by the board of elections by 8:30 p.m. |
| October 28–30 | Early voting, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| October 31 | Saturday early voting, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| November 1 | Sunday early voting, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
| November 3 | Election Day. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
Voters returning absentee ballots by mail should allow sufficient time for delivery. Regular absentee ballots must be received by the appropriate board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to count.
The Ohio Secretary of State provides the official 2026 voting schedule.
Which major races should voters watch?
Ohio’s November ballot includes contests for state and federal offices. The results could influence government spending, economic policy, education, healthcare and other issues affecting residents.
Ohio governor
The gubernatorial election will determine who leads Ohio’s executive branch.
Voters should compare candidates’ proposals on economic development, taxes, public education, healthcare, infrastructure and public safety.
They should also examine how candidates intend to fund their proposals and whether their plans fall within the governor’s authority.
U.S. Senate
Ohio’s Senate race is another important contest because the outcome could affect the balance of power in Washington.
The Senate considers legislation, confirms presidential nominees and participates in decisions about federal spending and oversight.
Voters can compare candidates’ positions on inflation, employment, healthcare, immigration and federal spending before deciding which candidate best represents their priorities.
U.S. House of Representatives
Congressional races will help determine control of the U.S. House.
Representatives vote on federal legislation, budgets, taxes and policies affecting communities nationwide.
Cincinnati-area voters should verify their congressional district and review the candidates appearing on their individual ballots. District boundaries and local contests can affect which candidates voters are eligible to choose.
Ohio Issue 3: Proposed constitutional amendment on voter identification
One of the major statewide questions is Issue 3, a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution addressing voter identification requirements.
The proposal would establish a constitutional requirement for approved government-issued photo identification when voting. It also addresses identification for voters casting ballots without voting in person and provides for an alternative identity-verification method for voters with sincere religious objections to being photographed.
Ohio already requires voters casting ballots in person to present an acceptable, unexpired photo ID under existing law. Issue 3 would go further by placing voter identification requirements in the Ohio Constitution rather than leaving them solely to state law. This distinction matters because constitutional requirements generally cannot be changed through ordinary legislation alone.
The proposal also addresses identification requirements for absentee voters, including an alternative identity-verification method for people with sincere religious objections to being photographed, subject to the amendment’s provisions and applicable law. Voters should review the official ballot language to understand precisely how the proposed requirements would operate.
A YES vote would approve the proposed amendment, while a NO vote would reject it.
Before voting, residents should read the official ballot language and arguments for and against the proposal.
Those supporting the amendment may prioritize establishing identification requirements in the state constitution. Opponents may raise concerns about the effects of constitutional requirements on eligible voters who have difficulty obtaining qualifying identification.
Voters can review the official Issue 3 information from the Ohio Secretary of State.
Cincinnati voters should review the CPS school levy
Cincinnati Public Schools funding is another important local issue for residents whose ballots include the district’s proposed operating levy.
The district has promoted a five-year, 7-mill operating levy intended to generate approximately $66.3 million annually for educational programs and operations.
The proposal has implications for school funding and household property-tax expenses.
According to Cincinnati Public Schools, the estimated annual property-tax cost would be $245 for a home valued at $100,000 and $551 for a home valued at $225,000. These figures are estimates provided by the district and can help homeowners understand the potential financial impact of the proposal.
Homeowners should consult the district’s official levy information to understand how the estimated costs apply to their property and review the details of the proposed tax. Actual property-tax bills can depend on the property’s tax valuation and applicable tax calculations.
Before voting, residents should examine the levy amount, estimated cost to property owners, projected revenue and the district’s explanation of how the money would be used.
Voters should also consider the financial consequences the district has identified if the measure fails.
The levy will not appear on every Ohio voter’s ballot. Residents should check their sample ballots and consult the district’s official Cincinnati Public Schools levy information.
Local ballot issues could affect taxes and public services
Beyond statewide races, voters may encounter county, municipal, judicial and school-related contests.
Depending on their address, residents may also vote on tax levies, bond issues or other local proposals.
These decisions can affect public education, local government revenue, infrastructure projects and community services.
Hamilton County residents should review the specific language of each local question rather than relying solely on campaign advertisements or summaries circulated on social media.
The Hamilton County Board of Elections provides tools for checking sample ballots, polling locations and election information.
What identification do Ohio voters need?
Ohio voters casting ballots in person generally must present a valid, unexpired photo ID that meets state requirements.
Acceptable identification includes an Ohio driver’s license or state ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, and certain military and veterans’ identification cards.
Voters who do not present an acceptable photo ID may be able to cast a provisional ballot. They must follow the applicable procedures and provide the required identification within the permitted period for the ballot to count.
Anyone uncertain about identification requirements should consult the Ohio Secretary of State’s official voting information page before heading to the polls.
Read: Forbes: Ramaswamy could become second-wealthiest governor if he wins Ohio
How to research candidates before voting
Voters can make more informed decisions by reviewing candidates’ records, policy proposals and public statements.
Official campaign websites can explain candidates’ priorities, but voters should compare those claims with independent reporting, public records and interviews.
For candidates already holding public office, voting records and previous budget decisions can help residents evaluate their performance.
Voters should also distinguish between campaign promises and policies that have been enacted. Proposals involving federal, state and local government may require different authorities and sources of funding.
For ballot measures, reviewing the full proposal and its official explanation can help voters understand what a YES or NO vote would mean.
How to check your Cincinnati-area sample ballot
Hamilton County residents can use the county Board of Elections website to find their sample ballots and assigned polling locations.
The sample ballot identifies the candidates and issues associated with a voter’s precinct, helping residents prepare before arriving at the polls.
Voters should also confirm that their registration information is accurate, particularly if they have moved or changed their name.
The registration deadline for the November 3 election has passed, but eligible registered voters can still participate using the available voting methods and applicable deadlines.
Residents can visit the Hamilton County Board of Elections or the Ohio Secretary of State’s election website for official information.
What to remember before November 3
The November 3 election will involve more than choosing candidates for statewide and federal offices. Constitutional amendments and local ballot measures can also affect how Ohio conducts elections and funds public services.
Voters should review their sample ballots, research candidates, understand the consequences of proposed measures and confirm voting requirements before casting their ballots.
For Cincinnati-area residents, checking local school levies and other community issues is just as important as following the statewide races.
With early voting underway, voters can begin preparing now rather than waiting until Election Day.
FAQs
What is Issue 3 on Ohio’s November 2026 ballot?
Issue 3 is a proposed constitutional amendment addressing voter identification requirements. A YES vote approves the amendment, while a NO vote rejects it.
What should Cincinnati voters know about the CPS school levy?
Cincinnati Public Schools has proposed a five-year, 7-mill operating levy projected to generate approximately $66.3 million annually. The estimated annual cost is $245 per $100,000 of a home’s market value, according to the district.
How can I find my sample ballot in Hamilton County?
Residents can visit the Hamilton County Board of Elections sample ballot lookup to see the candidates and issues associated with their voting address. Voters should also confirm their polling location and review the applicable identification requirements before Election Day.
