Election law is a broad category of state and federal laws—statutes, constitutions, and case law (court opinions)—and includes issues related to voter eligibility; voting methods and processes; vote tabulations and recounts; and the financing and expenditures of state and federal political campaigns.
In Ohio, election law is governed by a combination of state statutes, the Ohio Constitution, and applicable federal laws. Voter eligibility in Ohio typically requires individuals to be at least 18 years old, a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days prior to the election, and a citizen of the United States. Ohio offers several voting methods, including in-person voting on Election Day, early in-person voting, and absentee voting by mail. The state has specific procedures for vote tabulation and recounts, which can be triggered automatically in very close races or requested by candidates under certain conditions. Campaign finance in Ohio is regulated by the Ohio Elections Commission, which enforces limits on contributions to candidates and requires disclosure of campaign expenditures. Additionally, federal laws such as the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) also apply to Ohio elections, setting standards for election administration and campaign finance.