Run for County Commissioner

In Ohio, a County Commissioner is an elected official who serves on a three-member board that acts as the primary governing body of a county, overseeing its budget, services, and administration. The role is governed by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 305.01–305.31 and applies to Ohio’s 88 counties. Commissioners handle executive and legislative functions, as counties lack a single “mayor-like” leader. Here’s a detailed breakdown of a County Commissioner’s duties:

1. Budget and Financial Oversight
   
   • Approve the county’s annual budget, allocating funds for services like roads, social services, and public safety (ORC 305.30).
   • Levy taxes or issue bonds within state limits.
   • Example: Fund a new sheriff’s department facility.
2. Policy and Legislation
   
   • Pass resolutions and ordinances to govern county operations (e.g., zoning in unincorporated areas).
   • Example: Establish a countywide recycling program.
3. Administration of County Services
   
   • Oversee county departments (e.g., public works, human services) not managed by other elected officials like the sheriff or auditor.
   • Appoint department heads or board members (e.g., health district board).
   • Example: Hire a new director for the county engineer’s office.
4. Economic Development
   
   • Promote job growth and infrastructure projects (e.g., industrial parks, broadband expansion).
   • Collaborate with regional agencies or private developers.
   • Example: Approve tax incentives for a new factory.
5. Public Safety and Infrastructure
   
   • Fund and coordinate with the sheriff, coroner, and emergency services.
   • Maintain county roads, bridges, and facilities outside city limits.
   • Example: Allocate funds to repair a county bridge.
6. Community Engagement
   
   • Hold public meetings (often weekly) to hear resident concerns and explain decisions.
   • Represent the county at regional or state events.
   • Example: Address farmers’ concerns about drainage issues.
7. Intergovernmental Cooperation
   
   • Work with cities, townships, and state agencies on shared projects (e.g., water systems).
   • Serve on regional boards (e.g., metropolitan planning organizations).

County Commissioners in Ohio serve 4-year terms, with terms staggered so two seats are elected in presidential election years (e.g., 2024, 2028) and one in midterm years (e.g., 2026, 2030). The role is typically full-time in larger counties and part-time in smaller ones. Commissioners meet regularly, often weekly, and balance administrative duties with public-facing roles.

How to Run for County Commissioner in Ohio: Requirements and Steps

County Commissioner elections occur in even-numbered years, aligned with federal and state cycles, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Below is a guide tailored to a November 3, 2026, election (midterm year, when one of the three seats is typically up), assuming a 4-year term starting January 1, 2027. Confirm details with your county board of elections, as signature requirements and filing processes vary by county population.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
• Residency: Live in the county for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 305.01).
• Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the county.
• No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold another public office that conflicts (e.g., county auditor) per ORC 305.03.
• Qualifications: No specific education required, but knowledge of budgeting or governance is valued.

Steps to Run for Office

1. Research Local Rules
   
   • Confirm which commissioner seat is up in 2026 (one seat, typically the “midterm” seat).
   • Check signature requirements (based on county population) and the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.
   • Contact your county board of elections (e.g., Franklin County for Columbus).
   • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
   • Timeline: Start in 2025 (e.g., April–June) for 2026.
2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
   
   • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-A for partisan races, as commissioner races are partisan) with your county board of elections.
   • Choose a party (Republican, Democratic, etc.) or run as an independent (different petition, Form 3-I).
   • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
   • Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
   • Deadline: For partisan candidates, file by 4 p.m., 90 days before the primary (e.g., February 4, 2026, for May 5, 2026, primary). Independents file by 4 p.m. the day before the primary (e.g., May 4, 2026). Confirm locally.
3. Collect Signatures
   
   • Gather signatures from registered voters in your county:
     
     • Partisan: 50 valid signatures for major parties (ORC 3513.05); more in larger counties (e.g., Franklin may require 100–200 per local rules).
     • Independent: 1% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in the county, or 25–500 depending on county size.
   • Use Form 3-A (partisan) or 3-I (independent).
   • Deadline: February 4, 2026 (partisan); May 4, 2026 (independent). Collect extra signatures for buffer.
4. Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
   
   • Fees ~$50–$100 for partisan candidates, waiveable with signatures in some counties.
   • Deadline: Same as petition filing (February 4, 2026, for partisan).
5. Campaign Finance Registration
   
   • Register with your county board if raising/spending funds.
   • File reports per ORC 3517.10 (e.g., pre-primary, pre-general, post-election).
   • Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
   • Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., summer 2025); pre-primary report due ~April 6, 2026.
6. Primary Election
   
   • Partisan candidates compete in the primary to win their party’s nomination.
   • Date: May 5, 2026 (first Tuesday after first Monday).
   • Independents skip this step.
7. Campaigning
   
   • Build a platform (e.g., “lower taxes” or “improve county roads”).
   • Engage voters via county fairs, town halls, or ads—focus on countywide issues.
   • Follow local sign/placement rules.
   • Timeline: Start after primary (June 2026), peak in fall (September–October 2026).
8. General Election
   
   • Appear on the ballot countywide (partisan or independent).
   • Date: November 3, 2026.
   • Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
9. Post-Election
   
   • If elected, take office (typically January 1, 2027, or per county rules).
   • File final finance reports.
   • Deadline: 30–60 days post-election (e.g., December 2026–January 2027).

Hypothetical 2026 Timeline (November 3 Election)

• April–June 2025: Research seat, confirm eligibility.
• July–December 2025: Plan platform, collect signatures.
• January 2026: Finalize signatures.
• February 4, 2026: File partisan petitions by 4 p.m.
• April 6, 2026: File pre-primary finance report.
• May 4, 2026: Independent petitions due.
• May 5, 2026: Primary election.
• June–October 2026: Campaign; file pre-general report (~October 3).
• November 3, 2026: Election Day.
• January 1, 2027: Take office.

Ohio-Specific Resources for County Commissioner Candidates

• Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and rules.
  
  • www.ohiosos.gov/elections/
• County Boards of Elections: Filing and signature details.
  
  • SOS County Directory
• Ohio County Commissioners Association: Role insights.
  
  • www.ccao.org/
• Ohio Auditor of State: County finance context.
  
  • www.ohioauditor.gov/

County Commissioner races are partisan, unlike most municipal roles, and focus on countywide governance.