A Message from the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State on Election Access

To our municipal and local leaders,

As we prepare for the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, General Election, we ask for your partnership to ensure that voters have safe and uninterrupted access to county boards of elections throughout the current early voting period and to polling locations within your jurisdiction on Election Day. 

During this critical time, we specifically ask that jurisdictions having authority avoid issuing permits for street closures, special events, construction, or other activities that would close or significantly restrict roads needed to access a board of elections and polling locations. Maintaining clear and reliable access is essential for Ohio voters and election workers. 

We encourage your office to review any pending or approved permits for planned road work, special events, or other activities that could affect access to your county’s board of elections and to coordinate directly with the board to address potential impacts. Closures or restrictions should be rescheduled, relocated, or otherwise adjusted to maintain access during early voting and on Election Day. 

If an emergency or unavoidable circumstance requires a road closure or restriction that may affect access to a board of elections, please contact the board as soon as possible so appropriate traffic, access, and voter communication plans can be coordinated. 

Thank you for your partnership and for helping ensure Ohio voters can safely and easily access their voting location.