View Ohio’s sample ballot for smarter, faster voting in Mahoning County on Election Day
Election day is upon us, and preparation is key. Even if you opted to vote in-person today, you still have time to familiarize yourself with the candidates and issues on your ballot.
Sample ballots can be invaluable tools for this purpose, offering a preview of what you’ll see in the voting booth.
Here’s what Ohio voters need to know about accessing and using sample ballots.
How to access your sample ballot
The Ohio Secretary of State’s website is the primary resource for viewing sample ballots. By logging in, registered voters can access their personalized sample ballot, along with other vital information such as their voting precinct location.
To access the sample ballot, you only need your name, county of residence and date of birth.
What’s included in a sample ballot
Ohio sample ballots generally contain:
A mock-up of the actual ballot you’ll use
A list of candidates for each office
Any ballot measures or referendums
The date of the election
Instructions for voting
This information allows voters to research candidates and issues in advance, making the voting process smoother and more informed.
Benefits of Reviewing Your Sample Ballot
Familiarizing yourself with the sample ballot offers several advantages:
Time-saving: You can make decisions before entering the voting booth
Confidence: Understanding the ballot layout reduces confusion on Election Day
Preparedness: You can research unfamiliar candidates or complex ballot measures
Using sample ballots at the polls
Ohio allows voters to bring sample ballots, voter guides or personal notes into the voting booth. This can be especially helpful for remembering your choices on lengthy ballots.
However, it’s advisable to bring paper copies, as some polling places may restrict cell phone use.