The Franklin County Board of Elections announced on April 24 that it will expand early in-person voting hours next week at its location at 1700 Morse Road, Columbus. The new schedule follows the Ohio Revised Code and is intended to provide more opportunities for registered voters ahead of Election Day on May 5, 2026.
This expansion aims to increase voter participation and ensure community trust during the election process. The board promotes voter engagement and election integrity through its services, according to the official website.
Early voting will be available from Monday, April 27 through Friday, May 1 between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., with extended hours until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28—the last day to request absentee ballots. Weekend hours include Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Voters can find absentee ballot applications online or by calling the office.
A recent change under SB 293 now requires absentee mail ballots to be returned no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day; there is no longer a four-day grace period after Election Day for receipt of these ballots. Ballots may also be delivered by hand using the secured drop box or drive-thru service at the board’s headquarters, which is staffed by bipartisan board members.
The Franklin County Board of Elections acts as the official authority for county elections administration according to its website. It provides accessible resources across Franklin County and offers services such as poll worker training and campaign finance support according to the official website. The board focuses on delivering voter registration, early voting options, candidate assistance, and education about fair practices throughout the area according to its website.
Election Day polling places will open at their usual time—6:30 a.m.—and close at 7:30 p.m.
