By By Deba Uwadiae
Franklin County Board of Elections Director Antone White has described the first day of early voting in Columbus, Ohio State as very “steady” with estimated 450 persons per hour, October 6, 2026.
“It’s been very steady. We’ve had a lot of voters. It’s been a good flow. We’ve voted well over 500 so far. We opened at 8am and right now it is close to 11 o’clock,” Franklin County Board of Elections Director Antone White told New Americans magazine.
“We are voting about 450 an hour and that is a good pace. That pace will probably vote about 3,000 people today.”
Director Antone White urged voters to, “Let’s get out to vote. Early voting is open. You have an opportunity to come and vote at the Franklin Board of Elections. You can also request your mail ballot. No excuse. Just make the plan and get out and vote.”
Meanwhile, the Franklin County Board of Elections has started mailing its official Voter Information Guide today to registered voter households across Franklin County. Approximately 504,095 households will receive the guide by U.S. Mail to help voters prepare for the November 3, 2026, General Election.
The guide provides information about Election Day polling locations, early voting, voting by mail, ballot information and voter identification requirements.
“We want voters to have the information they need before they cast their ballot,” said Franklin County Board of Elections Director Antone White.
“Voter should take a few minutes to review the guide, check your polling location, and make a plan to vote. If you are voting by mail, return your ballot early so it reaches our office by the deadline.”
The Voter Information Guide includes:
- Election Day polling location information
- Vote-by-mail instructions and deadlines
- Early Vote Center hours
- Voter identification requirements
- Information about becoming a poll worker
Voters are encouraged to review the guide carefully, particularly their assigned Election Day polling location and the absentee ballot return deadline. Regular absentee ballots must be received by the Franklin County Board of Elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. A ballot postmarked by Election Day but received after the deadline cannot be counted.
Early in-person voting is underway at the Franklin County Board of Elections, located at 1700 Morse Road, and continues through Sunday, November 1. Applications for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27.
Among the early callers at the Franklin Board of Elections were Democratic governorship candidate, Dr. Amy Acton and Senatorial Candidate Sherrod Brown.
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