South Central Ohio voters head to the polls today, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, for the statewide primary election. This is your chance to help select candidates for the November general election, including races for governor, secretary of state, and numerous local offices, as well as any county-specific questions and issues on your ballot. Whether you live in Ross, Pickaway, Fairfield, Hocking, Pike, or surrounding counties, every vote shapes the future of our communities. Polls are open now. Make your plan and get out to vote.
Polling Hours Across Ohio
Polls in every Ohio precinct, including those in south central Ohio, open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. If you are in line at your polling place by 7:30 p.m., election officials will allow you to cast your ballot. Plan to arrive early to avoid any last-minute lines, especially in busier precincts.
Where to Vote on Election Day
You must vote at your assigned precinct polling location. Polling places do not change on Election Day, and you cannot vote at any other site, such as your county board of elections office. South central Ohio residents can quickly find their exact polling place by visiting the official Ohio Secretary of State voter lookup tool at ohiosos.gov/directories/find-my-polling-location or by contacting their county board of elections. Many boards also maintain dedicated pages with updated addresses and hours.
What to Bring: Photo ID Required
Ohio law requires every voter to present a valid, unexpired photo identification that includes your name and photograph. Acceptable forms include:
• Ohio driver license
• State of Ohio ID card
• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
The name on your ID must substantially match the name in the poll book. If you forget your ID or it does not meet the requirements, you may still cast a provisional ballot. You will then have until the fourth day after the election to present acceptable ID to your county board of elections for your vote to count.
Quick Tips to Make Voting Smooth
• Review your sample ballot ahead of time. Use the Ohio Secretary of State’s sample ballot lookup or your county board of elections website to see exactly what races and issues will appear on your ballot.
• Allow extra time if your precinct has consolidated or changed locations since the last election. Some counties updated polling sites for efficiency.
• Absentee ballots returned by mail or dropped off must reach your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. today to be counted.
• If you have questions once at the polls, poll workers are there to assist you.
Why Your Vote Matters in South Central Ohio
Today’s primary sets the stage for the November 2026 general election. Voters in our region will help choose nominees for key statewide offices and decide local matters that directly affect schools, roads, taxes, and services in counties like Ross, Pickaway, and Fairfield. Participation in the primary ensures that south central Ohio voices are strong in every race.
Election officials and the Ohio Secretary of State emphasize that the process is secure, accessible, and designed for every eligible voter. No registration was possible after April 6, so if you are registered, you are ready to go.
Ready to Vote?
Head to your polling place between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. today. Bring your photo ID, wear comfortable shoes, and consider bringing water if lines form. For the latest updates or to locate your exact site, visit the official source at VoteOhio.gov or your county board of elections website.
Your participation keeps democracy strong in south central Ohio and across the state. Thank you for voting today. Results will begin rolling in after polls close, so stay tuned for updates.
