COLUMBUS, Ohio — The countdown to Ohio's primaries is on, with just weeks until the March 19 Election Day.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio's primary elections will be held March 19

  • All Ohio House seats and half the Ohio Senate seats are running in primaries this year

  • In a typical election year like this one, less than 30% of registered voters participate in primaries

Primary elections are used to determine which candidates will represent their political party in November's general election. Though the primary doesn't elect anyone to an office, it is still an important part of the democratic process, according to political experts. 

The candidates selected during the primary could have the power to impact legislative decisions in the future, if elected to office this fall, which would impact all Ohioans. Because of that, experts say it is important to research the candidates running in the primary and take the time to vote.