DeMora Introduces Bill to Schedule Ohio Primary Elections

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) introduced legislation to schedule all Ohio primary elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May.

“Having primary dates that differ and an inconsistent voting cycle causes confusion for voters, candidates, and boards of elections,” said Senator DeMora. “But this problem has a simple fix, establishing one schedule for all primary elections. I’m happy that this legislation has bicameral support and I look forward to working to improve our elections and help voters.”

Ohio currently has a different primary election date for presidential election years and non-presidential election years. This inconsistent voting cycle creates longer partisan election seasons and requires candidates for all federal, state, and county offices to file petitions to be on the November ballot almost 11 months prior to that actual election in the preceding calendar year.

The legislation awaits a bill number and assignment to a Senate Committee.