What a Secretary of State Does in Ohio
In Ohio, the Secretary of State is the state’s chief election officer, responsible for overseeing elections, registering businesses, and managing public records. This elected official ensures Ohio’s voting process is fair, supports economic growth through business services, and maintains transparency in government. The Secretary of State serves a 4-year term, with a two-term limit (consecutive or non-consecutive), elected in even-numbered midterm years (e.g., 2026, 2030). Their work impacts Ohio’s 11.8 million residents by safeguarding democracy and facilitating commerce, making this a critical role in state governance.
The Secretary of State’s duties, outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 111.01–111.46), include:
- Overseeing Elections
Administer statewide and local elections, certify ballots, and ensure compliance with election laws. Train county boards of elections and investigate voting irregularities.
Example: Certify signatures for a ballot initiative to amend Ohio’s constitution. - Managing Voter Registration
Maintain Ohio’s voter registration database, promote voter access, and update records to ensure accuracy.
Example: Launch a campaign to register young voters before a presidential election. - Enforcing Campaign Finance Laws
Oversee campaign finance reporting for candidates and political committees, ensuring transparency in election funding.
Example: Audit a candidate’s campaign reports to verify legal contributions. - Registering Businesses
Process filings for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trademarks, supporting Ohio’s business community.
Example: Approve articles of incorporation for a new startup in Columbus. - Maintaining Public Records
Authenticate official state documents and maintain records like notary commissions or uniform commercial code filings.
Example: Certify a state law copy for a court case. - Promoting Civic Engagement
Educate Ohioans about voting, elections, and government through programs and outreach.
Example: Partner with schools to teach students about the electoral process. - Serving on State Boards
Participate in boards like the Ohio Ballot Board, which reviews ballot language, or the Apportionment Board (redistricting, every 10 years).
Example: Approve clear wording for a statewide referendum. - Supporting Election Technology
Oversee voting equipment certification and cybersecurity measures to protect election integrity.
Example: Upgrade voting machines to prevent hacking risks.
The Secretary of State works full-time, based in Columbus, with occasional travel to train election officials or attend events. The role involves regular interaction with county boards, businesses, and the public. Compensation includes a salary (approximately $70,000–$80,000 in 2025, subject to change) and benefits. The position requires significant administrative oversight, especially during election seasons, with peak workloads in even-numbered years.
How to Run for Secretary of State in Ohio: Requirements and Steps
Running for Secretary of State in Ohio involves a statewide campaign to secure a position on the ballot. The election is partisan, with candidates typically running as Republicans, Democrats, or independents. The next election is November 3, 2026, with the term starting January 11, 2027. Below is a detailed guide to running, tailored to Ohio’s rules for the 2026 cycle. Verify requirements with the Ohio Secretary of State and county boards of elections, as statewide races require coordination across Ohio’s 88 counties.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: At least 18 years old (Ohio Constitution, Article XV, Section 4).
- Residency: Be a resident of Ohio (no specific duration required in ORC, but candidates are typically long-term residents).
- Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in Ohio.
- No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold other public offices (e.g., legislator, mayor) during the term (ORC 3.15).
- Qualifications: No specific education is required, but candidates often have experience in elections, administration, law, or business. For example, prior roles as a county election official or legislator are common.
Steps to Run for Office
- Research Local Rules
Review the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide and election laws for statewide races. Contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office for filing deadlines and rules.
Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
Timeline: Start now (June 2025) to plan a statewide campaign. - Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
Complete a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 2-A for partisan candidates, Form 2-I for independents). Submit forms to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office in Columbus (not county boards). Choose a political party (Republican, Democratic, etc.) or run as an independent. Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account for tracking funds.
Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
Deadline: Partisan candidates: File by 4 p.m., 90 days before the primary (e.g., February 4, 2026, for May 5, 2026, primary). Independent candidates: File by 4 p.m., the day before the primary (e.g., May 4, 2026). - Collect Signatures
Gather signatures from registered Ohio voters to qualify for the ballot:- Partisan candidates: 1,000 valid signatures, with at least 50 from 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties (ORC 3513.05).
- Independent candidates: 5,000 valid signatures, with at least 50 from 44 counties (ORC 3513.257).
Use official petition forms (Form 2-A for partisan, 2-I for independent). Collect extra signatures (e.g., 1,500 for partisan, 7,500 for independent) to account for invalid ones.
Deadline: February 4, 2026 (partisan); May 4, 2026 (independent).
Tip: Use volunteers or hire a petition firm to cover Ohio’s urban and rural regions.
- Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
Partisan candidates pay a filing fee of ~$150, which may be waived with sufficient signatures. Independent candidates typically face no fee but require more signatures.
Deadline: February 4, 2026 (partisan).
Verify exact fees with the Secretary of State, as they may adjust. - Campaign Finance Registration
Register a campaign committee with the Ohio Secretary of State if raising or spending money. File regular finance reports (e.g., pre-primary, pre-general, post-election) per ORC 3517.10.
Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., June 2025). Pre-primary report due ~April 6, 2026 (30 days before primary). Pre-general report due ~October 3, 2026 (30 days before election).
Tip: Hire a finance consultant to ensure compliance. - Primary Election (If Applicable)
Partisan candidates must win their party’s nomination in the primary election. Campaign across Ohio to appeal to party voters (e.g., Republicans or Democrats). Independent candidates skip the primary.
Date: May 5, 2026 (first Tuesday after first Monday in May).
Tip: Participate in party debates and secure endorsements from county officials or civic groups. - Campaigning
Develop a platform addressing Ohio’s key issues (e.g., election integrity, voter access, business growth). Engage voters through statewide rallies (e.g., in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati), TV and digital ads, and town halls. Follow Ohio’s campaign laws on advertising and signage.
Timeline: Start post-primary (June 2026) and peak in September–October 2026.
Tip: Focus on urban centers like Franklin County and rural areas like Scioto County. - General Election
Appear on the statewide ballot as the Secretary of State candidate. Compete against other party nominees and independents.
Date: November 3, 2026 (first Tuesday after first Monday in November).
Resource: Ohio Election Calendar - Post-Election
If elected, take office on January 11, 2027. File final campaign finance reports, typically within 30–60 days after the election (e.g., December 2026–January 2027). Begin transition planning to assume election and business duties.
Deadline: Final reports due by early 2027.
Hypothetical 2026 Timeline (November 3 Election)
- June–July 2025: Confirm eligibility, get forms from Secretary of State.
- August–December 2025: Collect signatures, begin fundraising.
- January 2026: Validate signatures with county boards.
- February 4, 2026: File partisan petitions by 4 p.m.
- April 6, 2026: File pre-primary finance report.
- May 4, 2026: Independent petitions due by 4 p.m.
- May 5, 2026: Primary election (partisan only).
- June–October 2026: Campaign statewide; file pre-general report (~October 3).
- November 3, 2026: Election Day.
- January 11, 2027: Take office.
Ohio-Specific Resources
- Ohio Secretary of State: Main hub for election information, forms, and deadlines.
www.ohiosos.gov/elections/ - County Boards of Elections: Verify signatures and local election rules (88 counties).
SOS County Directory - Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook: Guide for fundraising and reporting.
www.ohiosos.gov/campaign-finance/ - Ohio Secretary of State Business Services: Insights into business registration duties.
www.ohiosos.gov/businesses/ - Ohio Legislative Service Commission: Understand state government structure.
www.lsc.ohio.gov - Voter Lookup: Confirm your registration status.
Voter Lookup Tool
Since Ohio’s statewide races require signatures from 44 counties, contact the Secretary of State early for guidance and coordinate with county boards for signature verification.