COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio primary is not for a few weeks, but many have already casted their vote. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio primary is March 19

  • All absentee ballots have to be mailed or postmarked by March 12

  • Higher populated counties are still in need of poll workers 

While the Ohio primary won't take place until Tuesday, March 19, a significant number of voters have already begun casting their ballots. Many county boards of elections have already seen thousands of early voters. According to the Secretary of State’s office, there have been more absentee ballots requested than people coming in to vote early in-person.  

The margin between in-person voters and absentee voters was not as significant in some of the state’s smaller counties, but as of Monday, more Republican voters have participated in early voting than Democrats. 

According to the Madison County Board of Elections, the amount of Republican early voters (712) compared to Democrat (226) early voters is more than triple.  

Pickaway and Fayette Counties follow that trend. In Pickaway County, 1,156 Republicans have already voted early compared to only 406 Democrats. Fayette County has not seen as many early voters, but Republicans (422) are showing up to early vote in a higher capacity than Democrats (139). This trend could be due to President Biden running unopposed on the Democratic ticket, while Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump continue to fight to become the Republican nominee. 

Party margins are a lot closer in some of the state’s bigger counties. Traditionally Franklin, Cuyahoga and Hamilton Counties have a higher turnout of Democratic voters. County board of elections have reported a higher turnout of Democrats coming in to vote early in person, but the amount of absentee ballots issued are relatively close. 

Poll workers are needed for some of the state’s bigger counties and you can sign up by visiting the Secretary of State’s website or going to your local board of elections.