By Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has urged voters to be patient in line and be vigilant for improper campaign conduct, as in-person early voting is on pace to set a midterm election record, reminding voters that boards of elections will be open all weekend, with extended polling hours.
Fifteen Ohio counties have at least some precincts with multi-page ballots due to local issues. Four counties, including Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lorain and Lucas, have multi-page ballots in all precincts.
“Leading up to this weekend, Ohio has already offered more than 190 hours of in-person early voting, but it’s inevitable that some people will wait until the final weekend,” said Secretary LaRose.
“We’re working with boards of elections to keep lines moving as quickly as possible, but the best thing voters can do is to be prepared and be patient. Know the races and issues on your ballot before you go.”
LaRose also told voters to be vigilant for improper campaign conduct during the early voting process and to report any suspected wrongdoing to the board of elections or his office’s Election Integrity Unit.
“Our election officials and volunteers have done an incredible job moving these voting lines efficiently and safely,” said Secretary LaRose. “
“This weekend will undoubtedly bring the busiest activity we’ve seen so far in this election, and that turnout heightens the need for awareness. Voters should know the law about campaign conduct at polling locations and be ready to report suspected misconduct to the board of elections and, if necessary, to our Election Integrity Unit.”
Ohio law requires small American flags or other marking methods to identify the restricted area approximately 100 feet from a polling-place entrance. The restriction also extends within 10 feet of voters waiting in line beyond the flags. This means campaigning may be prohibited even more than 100 feet from the entrance when voting lines are long.
Secretary LaRose pointed to numerous social media reports alleging illegal campaign activity within this restricted zone surrounding a polling location.
One report raised concerns about an individual claiming to be a journalist who allegedly engaged in improper electioneering by promoting candidates to voters in a foreign language within the restricted area.
ORC § 3501.35(B)(2) expressly allows journalists reasonable access to polling places; however, that access does not authorize campaigning or interference with voters. The Ohio Secretary of State’s 2026 Election Official Manual explains that journalists may not interfere with voting, intimidate voters, or compromise ballot secrecy.
Other reports have highlighted the offering of free food or other items of value in exchange for voting. The EIU has also received reports of voters and candidates wearing campaign clothing or other disallowed items inside the restricted area, among other complaints. Following our standard protocol, each complaint is thoroughly reviewed and investigated, and boards are notified immediately of any required remedial actions.
“Weekend early voting can be an exciting experience because of the rush of activity,” said Secretary LaRose. “It’s truly democracy on display, but it’s also important that election officials not let it cross the line into confusion and chaos. We’re here to help, and voters should let us know if there’s a problem.”
Boards of elections are open Friday (10/30) until 7:30 p.m., Saturday (10/31) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday (11/1) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ohio voters can visit VoteOhio.gov to find additional information about where to vote, what to bring to the polls for identification and how to view a sample ballot before voting.
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