List of Local Elected Positions in Ohio
Ohio’s local government structure includes various elected positions at the municipal, county, township, and special district levels. The specific offices available depend on your city, county, or township’s charter, population, and form of government (e.g., mayor-council, council-manager). Below is a comprehensive list of common local elected positions in Ohio, based on state law (Ohio Revised Code [ORC] Title 7 for municipalities, Title 5 for townships, Title 3 for counties) and typical practices. Note that not every position exists in every jurisdiction—check your local charter or county board of elections for exact roles.
Click the links to learn more!
Municiple (City or Village) Level
- Chief executive; oversees city operations, enforces laws, and often has veto power (ORC 733.23–733.26).
- Elected citywide; term typically 4 years (some villages 2 years).
- City Council Member (or Village Council Member)
- Legislative body; passes ordinances, approves budgets (ORC 731.05).
- Elected by ward or at-large; terms usually 2 or 4 years (e.g., Columbus: 4 years, 9 members).
- City Auditor (or Fiscal Officer in Villages)
- Manages financial records, certifies funds, prepares reports (ORC 733.11).
- Elected citywide; term typically 4 years (e.g., Cincinnati).
- City Treasurer
- Oversees receipt and disbursement of city funds (ORC 733.42).
- Elected in some cities (e.g., Toledo); term typically 4 years. Often appointed in smaller municipalities.
- City Law Director (or Solicitor)
- Provides legal counsel to the city; prosecutes minor cases (ORC 733.51).
- Elected in some cities (e.g., Dayton); term typically 4 years. Often appointed elsewhere.
- Municipal Court Judge
- Handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small civil disputes (ORC 1901).
- Elected within municipal court district; term 6 years.
- Clerk of Municipal Court
- Manages court records and fees (ORC 1901.31).
- Elected in some jurisdictions (e.g., Cleveland); term typically 6 years. Often appointed.
County Level
- County Commissioner
- Governs county; sets budget, oversees services (ORC 305.01).
- 3 elected countywide; staggered 4-year terms (2 elected one cycle, 1 the next).
- County Auditor
- Manages county finances, assesses property taxes (ORC 319.01).
- Elected countywide; 4-year term.
- County Treasurer
- Collects taxes, manages county funds (ORC 321.01).
- Elected countywide; 4-year term.
- County Recorder
- Records deeds, mortgages, and property documents (ORC 317.01).
- Elected countywide; 4-year term.
- County Clerk of Courts
- Maintains court records for Common Pleas Court (ORC 2303.01).
- Elected countywide; 4-year term.
- County Sheriff
- Enforces laws, manages jail, serves court papers (ORC 311.01).
- Elected countywide; 4-year term.
- County Coroner
- Investigates deaths, determines cause (ORC 313.01).
- Elected countywide; 4-year term.
- County Engineer
- Oversees county roads, bridges, infrastructure (ORC 315.01).
- Elected countywide; 4-year term.
- County Prosecutor
- Prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the county (ORC 309.01).
- Elected countywide; 4-year term.
- Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
- Handle felony cases, civil disputes over $15,000 (ORC 2305).
- Elected countywide or by district; 6-year terms (number varies by county population).
- Probate Court Judge
- Oversees wills, estates, guardianships (ORC 2101).
- Elected countywide; 6-year term (1 per county).
Township Level
- Township Trustee
- Governs township; manages budget, roads, cemeteries (ORC 505.01).
- 3 elected township-wide; staggered 4-year terms.
- Township Fiscal Officer (formerly Clerk)
- Keeps financial records, minutes (ORC 507.01).
- Elected township-wide; 4-year term.
Special Districts
- School Board Member
- Sets school policy, budget, hires superintendent (ORC 3313.01).
- Elected district-wide (city, local, or exempted village districts); typically 5 members, 4-year terms.
- Board of Public Affairs Member (Villages)
- Manages village utilities (e.g., water, electric) (ORC 735.28).
- Elected in some villages; 4-year terms (often appointed in cities).
- Library Board Trustee
- Oversees public library operations (ORC 3375).
- Elected in some districts; terms vary (often appointed).
- Park District Commissioner
- Manages county or regional parks (ORC 1545).
- Elected in some districts; terms vary (often appointed).
Notes
- Variations: Some positions (e.g., treasurer, law director) are elected in larger cities but appointed in smaller ones. Villages (<5,000 population) often combine roles (e.g., fiscal officer instead of auditor/treasurer).
- Charter Cities: Cities like Columbus or Cincinnati may have unique positions (e.g., Columbus has no elected treasurer—duties fall to the auditor).
- Judicial Roles: Municipal and county judges are elected, but higher courts (e.g., Appeals) are state-level.
- How to Confirm: Check your county board of elections website (e.g., Franklin County) or the Ohio SOS County Directory) for your local ballot.
Basic How-To Finance Guide for Candidates
Understanding campaign finance can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to legally and confidently manage your campaign finances in Ohio, from filing your first form to closing out your committee. Whether you’re just getting started or need help along the way, we’re here to support you.
Reach out anytime with questions, we’ve got your back.
1. Initial Legal Requirements for Ohio Candidates
Before you raise or spend any money, you must legally establish yourself as a candidate and set up your campaign infrastructure in compliance with Ohio law.
A. Determine if You Are a “Candidate” Under Ohio Law
You are considered a candidate if:
You file a declaration of candidacy or nominating petition, or
You raise or spend money in connection with running for office.
Once either occurs, campaign finance law applies.
B. Choose a Campaign Committee Name
You must form a campaign committee with a unique name. This name will appear on all official reports and correspondence.
Tip: Use your name and office sought, e.g., “Citizens for Jane Doe – City Council.”
C. Appoint a Campaign Treasurer
You must appoint a treasurer before accepting or spending money. This can be you or someone else. The treasurer is legally responsible for:
Receiving contributions
Making expenditures
Filing all required reports
Important: No contributions or expenditures can be made without a treasurer appointed.
D. Register Your Campaign Committee
To register, file a Designation of Treasurer Form (Form 30-D) with the appropriate board of elections:
Office Sought | File With |
|---|---|
Local or County Offices | County Board of Elections |
Statewide or Legislative | Ohio Secretary of State |
You can find Form 30-D here:
https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/forms/
E. Open a Campaign Bank Account
Open a dedicated campaign checking account at a local bank:
Use your committee name
Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS if required
Keep campaign finances completely separate from personal funds
Pro tip: Many banks will require a copy of your Form 30-D and EIN to open an account.
F. Understand Ohio Contribution Limits
Ohio law sets contribution limits that vary by office and donor type. Key categories include:
Individuals
PACs
Party Committees
Candidate’s own funds (generally unlimited)
Contribution limits are updated biennially, so always check the current limits here:
https://www.ohiosos.gov/campaign-finance/contribution-limits/
G. Set Up a Recordkeeping System
You are legally required to maintain records of:
All contributions, including name, address, date, and amount
All expenditures, with receipts or documentation
Loans and in-kind contributions
Use a spreadsheet, accounting software, or the Campaign Finance Reporting System (CFRS) provided by the state.
Want help setting up a sample spreadsheet or finding a tool for this? We can help!
2. Filing with the Ohio Secretary of State (or County Board of Elections)
Once you’ve registered your campaign committee and appointed a treasurer, you’ll begin a cycle of ongoing filings and reports based on your activity and the office you’re seeking.
A. Filing Your Initial Form: Designation of Treasurer (Form 30-D)
What it is: The foundational document that officially forms your campaign committee.
When to file: Before raising or spending any money.
Where to file:
Local candidates: Your County Board of Elections
Statewide/legislative candidates: Ohio Secretary of State, Campaign Finance Division
Access the form here:
You can file this form in person or by mail. Some counties may allow email submissions—check with your county BOE.
B. Registering for the Campaign Finance Reporting System (CFRS)
For electronic filing, Ohio uses the CFRS:
Required for candidates filing with the Secretary of State
Optional but recommended for local candidates (varies by county)
Steps to register:
Go to the CFRS portal: https://cfrs.ohiosos.gov
Click “Request New Account”
Provide your candidate and committee info
You’ll receive a username/password for future filings
C. Understanding Filing Schedules
Ohio has regular campaign finance filing deadlines based on the election cycle. The typical reporting schedule includes:
Report Type | Due Date (General Election Example) |
|---|---|
Annual Report | January 31 (covers prior calendar year) |
Pre-Primary | 12 days before primary election |
Post-Primary | 38 days after primary election |
Pre-General | 12 days before general election |
Post-General | 38 days after general election |
Additional reports are required if you file late, amend forms, or are involved in special elections.
Filing calendars are updated yearly:
D. Filing Form 31-A (Contributions & Expenditures)
Your campaign will file Form 31-A for each required report period:
Lists all contributions over $25
Lists all expenditures over $25
Details of loans, debts, and in-kind donations
If nothing changed during a reporting period, you must still file a “Zero Activity” report.
Form access & e-filing system:
E. Amendments and Corrections
If you make a mistake:
You can file an amended report at any time.
Be proactive—mistakes are common and most issues can be resolved easily if addressed early.
Late filings may result in fines assessed by the Ohio Elections Commission.
3. Creating a Campaign Finance Infrastructure
A well-organized campaign finance system is key to staying compliant and avoiding stress come reporting time. This section helps you set up practical tools and processes from day one.
A. Open a Dedicated Campaign Bank Account
You must maintain a separate bank account for campaign funds.
Steps:
Choose a bank that allows business or nonprofit checking.
Bring the following:
A copy of your Form 30-D
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS (apply online here)
Valid ID
Pro tip: Name the account the same as your campaign committee to avoid confusion.
B. Choose Your Campaign Treasurer Wisely
This person will:
Track all contributions and expenses
Sign and file reports
Be legally responsible for compliance
You can be your own treasurer, but it’s ideal to have a detail-oriented partner in the role, especially if your campaign scales up.
C. Establish a Recordkeeping System
You must track all financial activity in real time.
At minimum, log:
Date
Contributor name, address, occupation (if over $100)
Amount and method of donation
In-kind donation description and estimated value
Expenditures: date, amount, vendor, purpose
Options:
Manual tracking: Use Google Sheets or Excel with clear categories.
Finance software: Tools like:
Ohio CFRS (free, official)
NationBuilder (for larger campaigns)
We can help you create a spreadsheet template if you want a simple starting point.
D. Set Up Cloud Storage for Documentation
Create a digital filing system using Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar:
Receipts and invoices
Copies of reports filed
Bank statements
Contracts and vendor info
Organize by date and category for easy auditing.
E. Develop Internal Controls
Even small campaigns should have basic financial safeguards:
Dual signatures for large expenses
Weekly or bi-weekly treasurer reviews
Maintain a receipt for every expense
Keep digital backups of everything
F. Establish Contribution Acceptance Policies
To avoid legal issues, set rules:
No corporate or anonymous donations
Record full donor info for any contribution over $25
Refund untraceable or impermissible donations
4. Collecting and Reporting Contributions
Ohio law requires that all campaign contributions be documented and reported with care. Mistakes here are the most common cause of fines and public complaints, so a strong system will save you time and trouble.
A. Acceptable Types of Contributions
1. Monetary Contributions
Cash: Legal up to $100 per donor per election. Must be recorded and deposited promptly.
Checks / Money Orders: Most common for larger gifts.
Credit/Debit Cards: Acceptable through online processors (see below).
2. In-Kind Contributions
Goods or services donated instead of money (e.g., printing, food, consulting).
Must be assigned a fair market value and reported like cash.
3. Loans
Can be from the candidate or others.
Must include clear loan terms and documentation.
B. Prohibited Contributions
Corporate donations (except for nonprofit associations registered as PACs)
Anonymous contributions over $25
Foreign nationals (non-permanent residents)
Cash over $100 per person per election
Note: You must refund or forfeit any prohibited contribution promptly.
C. Contribution Limits (As of 2025, varies by office)
Contribution limits are adjusted every two years. As a general rule (subject to update):
Donor Type | Local Candidate | Statewide Candidate |
|---|---|---|
Individual | $1,500/election | $13,704/election |
PAC | $3,800/election | $13,704/election |
Party Committee | $10,000/election | Unlimited (some roles) |
Check for latest limits: Ohio Campaign Finance Contribution Limits
D. Collecting Contributions Online
Use platforms that:
Comply with campaign finance law (full donor info capture)
Integrate with your finance tracking
Allow clear reporting
Common tools:
ActBlue (Democrat-aligned, but used for progressive local races)
Anedot (nonpartisan)
Custom donation pages via Stripe/PayPal (if built carefully)
Ensure your donation form collects:
Name, address
- Employer and occupation (required if donating >$100)
Affirmation of U.S. citizenship or legal status
E. Required Records for Each Contribution
You must maintain the following for every contribution:
If Donation Is… | You Must Record… |
|---|---|
$25 or less | Date, amount, donor name (if known) |
$25.01–$100 | Name, address, date, amount |
Over $100 | Name, address, employer and occupation, date, amount |
Keep this data for 6 years, even after your campaign ends.
F. Reporting Contributions on Form 31-A
Each reporting period, list:
Each donor over $25
Total contributions received
All in-kind donations
Loans and repayments
Itemize everything over $25, and aggregate small donations by category.
Tip: Use the CFRS software to automate report population if you’re tracking your data consistently.
5. Spending Campaign Funds
Spending campaign money is where many candidates run into compliance trouble. Ohio law requires that funds be used strictly for campaign-related purposes—and that every dollar is traceable.
A. Permissible Uses of Campaign Funds
Campaign funds may be used for direct and necessary campaign purposes, such as:
Advertising (print, radio, TV, digital, signs)
Staff or contractor payments (field work, consulting, design)
Office space, supplies, and equipment
Event costs (venue rental, food, tables)
Travel expenses related to campaigning
Website hosting and email platforms
Campaign software (NationBuilder, NGP VAN, etc.)
Note: Expenses must be reasonable, documented, and justifiable as campaign-related.
B. Prohibited Uses of Campaign Funds
Never use campaign funds for:
Personal expenses (e.g. groceries, rent, car payments)
Clothing (unless branded campaign gear)
Gifts for non-campaign purposes
Fines, penalties, or civil judgments
Charitable donations not related to the campaign
Personal use is strictly prohibited and can result in fines or criminal charges.
C. Spending and Recordkeeping Best Practices
To stay compliant:
Always pay via check, debit card, or electronic transfer (no cash withdrawals)
Keep a copy of every receipt or invoice
Note the purpose of each expense clearly (e.g. “Printing flyers for June canvass”)
Use a weekly log or expense tracker to stay on top of spending
D. Petty Cash and Small Expenses
Ohio law allows limited petty cash use, but you must:
Limit cash withdrawals
Document every dollar spent
Avoid exceeding the $100 limit for any single transaction in cash
For transparency, most campaigns avoid using cash at all.
E. Paying Yourself or Family Members
You may pay yourself or relatives only if:
The work is real, necessary, and documented
The payment is at fair market value
You disclose the relationship and services provided
This area gets close scrutiny—when in doubt, get legal or professional advice.
F. Paying for Post-Election Activities
Campaign funds may be used for:
Thank-you events
Wrapping up staff or contractor obligations
Final reporting and bookkeeping
Closing website and digital subscriptions
Unused funds may not be pocketed, but may be:
Donated to a charity
Rolled into a future campaign
Given to a political party or PAC (with disclosure)
Refunded to donors (if feasible)
6. Filing Campaign Finance Reports
Campaign finance reports are how you disclose your financial activity to the public and the Ohio Elections Commission. Filing them correctly and on time is one of your most important responsibilities as a candidate.
A. Types of Campaign Finance Reports
Ohio candidates are typically required to file the following reports:
Report Type | When It’s Due | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
Annual Report | January 31 every year | Activity from Jan 1 – Dec 31 of the previous year |
Pre-Primary | 12 days before the primary election | Activity from Jan 1 (or last report) to 20 days before primary |
Post-Primary | 38 days after the primary election | Activity from 20 days before primary to 31 days after |
Pre-General | 12 days before the general election | Activity since last report to 20 days before election |
Post-General | 38 days after the general election | Activity from 20 days before election to 31 days after |
Final Report | When terminating your campaign | Must show $0 balance and no outstanding debt |
Check your personalized calendar at the Ohio Elections Filing Calendar.
B. Required Forms
Most campaigns file:
Form 31-A – Contributions and Expenditures
Form 31-B – Fund Transfers (if applicable)
Form 31-J – Loans and Debts
Form 30-A – Notice of No Activity (if no contributions/expenditures in a period)
These are submitted via:
Ohio CFRS portal (for state-level and some local campaigns)
Or mailed/paper forms for many local offices (check with your county board)
C. Filing Online with CFRS
Go to https://cfrs.ohiosos.gov
Log in using your assigned credentials
Navigate to “Create New Report”
Select the correct report type and period
Enter all contributions and expenditures
Submit electronically and keep a copy for your records
You can save drafts as you go and submit only when complete.
D. Late Fees and Penalties
$10/day per report (up to $100) for late filings
Possible referral to the Ohio Elections Commission for serious violations
Intentional violations can result in civil fines or criminal charges
Filing on time—even a zero-activity report—is mandatory.
E. Amending Reports
If you discover an error:
Log into CFRS or contact your Board of Elections
Select the report to amend
Correct the necessary fields
Re-submit with a note explaining the amendment
Amending quickly and transparently avoids most problems.
F. Tips for Staying on Top of Deadlines
Add filing dates to your campaign calendar
Assign one person (usually the treasurer) to track deadlines
Set calendar reminders 2–3 weeks in advance
File early—don’t wait for the deadline
7. Compliance and Audits
Campaign finance compliance is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about building trust and transparency with the public. This section prepares you to stay ahead of potential issues and respond confidently if your campaign is reviewed.
A. Who Oversees Compliance?
1. County Board of Elections
Monitors local candidates’ filings
Can issue warnings or refer issues to higher authorities
2. Ohio Secretary of State
Oversees statewide and legislative candidate compliance
Hosts and manages the Campaign Finance Reporting System (CFRS)
3. Ohio Elections Commission
Investigates violations
Holds hearings
Can impose fines, order refunds, or recommend criminal charges
B. What Triggers an Audit or Investigation?
Audits and investigations can be:
Random (routine compliance check)
Complaint-driven (by an opponent, citizen, or watchdog)
Triggered by late, missing, or inconsistent filings
Common red flags:
Large cash expenditures
Unreported in-kind contributions
Personal expenses disguised as campaign costs
Math errors or totals that don’t match up
C. How to Stay Audit-Ready
1. Keep Your Records Clean
Store receipts and logs for at least 6 years
Save digital and printed copies of:
All contributions and donor data
All expenditures with descriptions
Bank statements
Reports and filings
2. Track Everything as You Go
Update your spreadsheet or software weekly
Reconcile your campaign bank account monthly
Keep a ledger of any in-kind help, even small things like signs or food
3. Train Your Team
Volunteers handling money should understand basic rules
Treasurer should review reports with the candidate before submission
D. Responding to a Complaint or Inquiry
If contacted by the Board of Elections or Elections Commission:
Stay calm and cooperative
Gather requested documentation quickly
Review your filings for potential errors
Seek legal help or campaign finance consulting if needed
Most issues are resolved through corrections, not penalties—especially if you respond promptly and honestly.
E. What Happens If You’re Audited?
You’ll receive a notice requesting specific documents and timelines
Be ready to show:
Donation records
Expense receipts
Bank account activity
If everything checks out, the audit is closed
If violations are found, you may have to amend reports, refund donations, or pay fines
8. Transitioning or Closing a Campaign
Whether you’ve won, lost, or decided not to run again, closing down your campaign committee requires proper steps to ensure compliance and preserve future credibility.
A. When to Close Your Campaign Committee
You can close your committee when:
All debts are paid
All funds are spent or disposed of legally
You are no longer actively campaigning or fundraising
You may also choose to pause or retain the committee for a future run by continuing to file annual reports.
B. Disposing of Surplus Funds
Permissible uses of unspent campaign funds include:
Transferring to a future campaign committee (for the same candidate)
Donating to a political party or other campaign (with disclosure and subject to contribution limits)
Donating to a 501(c)(3) charity
Refunding contributions to donors (if traceable and feasible)
Paying for closing costs (e.g., tax prep, final filings, digital shutdowns)
Personal use is never allowed.
C. Filing a Final Report
To officially close your committee:
File your final Form 31-A
Report all financial activity since the last report
Show a $0 balance and no outstanding debts
Check the box indicating this is your final report
Include any relevant loan forgiveness or refunds
After submission:
State-level candidates must confirm final status in the CFRS system
Local candidates should confirm closure with their County Board of Elections
D. Keep Your Records
Even after you close the committee, Ohio law requires you to:
Retain all financial records for six years
Be available to respond to inquiries or audits related to the campaign
Store records digitally and back them up securely.
E. Future Campaigns: Starting Again
If you plan to run again:
You may reuse the same committee or start a new one
If reusing, you must continue to file annual reports
You’ll need to file a new Form 30-D if you start fresh
9. Tips, Tools, and Resources
Now that you know the full process, here’s a toolkit of recommendations, templates, and resources to help you stay organized, compliant, and effective throughout your campaign.
A. Recommended Tools
Recordkeeping & Reporting
Ohio CFRS (official state filing system): https://cfrs.ohiosos.gov
Google Sheets / Excel Templates – Easy and accessible for manual tracking
Wave Accounting – Free accounting software for tracking income/expenses
Campaign Deputy – All-in-one campaign finance management platform
Online Donations
Anedot – Secure, customizable donation platform
ActBlue – Widely used by Democratic/progressive campaigns
Raise the Money – Simple platform for down-ballot campaigns
Banking
Use a local bank or credit union with experience working with nonprofits or political accounts
Have a dedicated campaign debit card to track spending clearly
B. Templates You Can Create or Request
We can help you create any of the following:
Donation tracking spreadsheet (cash, online, in-kind)
Expenditure log
Contribution refund log
Monthly reconciliation template
Receipts folder checklist
Final report prep checklist
Compliance calendar with automatic reminders
Just ask, and we can create them tailored to your campaign type.
C. Ohio Election Resources
Local candidates: Contact your County Board of Elections for guidance and local rules:
D. Pro Tips for Success
File early and keep backups of every report.
Review previous candidates’ filings to learn reporting patterns.
Educate your team—treasurers, volunteers, and vendors—on compliance basics.
Be transparent. If you make a mistake, fix it quickly and document the correction.
Keep a copy of this guide in your drive, binder, or shared team folder.
E. Bonus: Free Training & Legal Help
County BOE workshops – Many offer free campaign finance training during election season.
Campaign Legal Center – Offers tools and sometimes pro bono support: https://campaignlegal.org
Forward Ohio support – If you’re running with or supported by Forward Ohio, we can walk you through setup and strategy.