The Role of the Columbus Chamber
- A reliable resource on voting for our members
- A non-partisan organization working closely with our partners in government regardless of party affiliation
- Our Government Affairs Steering Committee (GASC) analyzes, develops, supports, and influence public policies that impact the Columbus region business community
- A core function of the GASC is to evaluate ballot issues and issue recommendations on whether to endorse or to oppose
- Connect business owners with programs to engage you in the electoral process
- Help businesses engage employees in the electoral process
Why Vote?
- Raise the voice of the Columbus region business community
- Ensure that the needs of businesses are well-represented in government
- Elect and re-elect candidates that prioritize issues of shared interest and importance to your business
The Process
- Registration: the first step in voting; must be done in order to vote
- Education: knowing about the process, issues, and candidates in order to be an informed voter
- Turnout: showing up or mailing in your ballot to cast your vote
Important Deadlines
March
- March 20: Military & Overseas Absentee Voting starts
April
- April 6: Deadline to Register to Vote. Boards of elections and the Ohio Secretary of State’s office are open until 9 p.m.
- April 7: Absentee Voting by Mail begins
- April 7: Early In-Person Voting begins
- April 28: Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8:30 p.m.
May
- May 5: Primary/Special Election Day: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- May 5: Non-UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7:30PM.
- May 9: UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received (by mail) by boards of elections by this date to be counted.
Register
- To register to vote, or to update your voter registration online visit: https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/
- You will need the following:
- Name
- Current Residential Address
- Date of Birth
- Ohio Driver’s License or State ID Number
- Last Four Digits of Your Social Security Number
- If you do not provide all of the above, you will be prompted to print out a paper form to send to the Board of Elections
Educate
- Review your sample ballot on your county’s Board of Election site to learn every item that you will be voting on
Turnout
- In-person on election day
- Show up to your assigned polling location on the day of the election and vote in person
- Polls open from 6:30am to 7:30pm
- Strong safety protocols in place
- In-person early voting
- Show up to your county’s board of elections to vote in person before election day
- Find hours here.
- Absentee (mail-in) voting
Absentee Voting
It’s safe, secure, and simple!
- Request an application, or download and print your own
- Turn in application
- Track your Absentee Ballot from Request to Ballot Acceptance using BallotTrax: www.franklincountyvotes.com
- Receive ballot, mark selections and fill out ID envelope and return ballot by deadline
- Deadline for returning an absentee ballot
- Must be received by your board of elections by 7:30PM on May 5th.
How to Engage Employees
- Voter registration drive
- Invite candidates to present to your workforce
- Share resources like this presentation!
- Give time off on election day to vote or encourage early voting
- Give time off to serve as poll workers
- Encourage participation in Chamber events
“A Call to Serve”
Become a poll worker
- Employers are encouraged to give their employees the day off on election day to become a poll worker.
- Requires a time commitment of 5:30am – 8:00pm.
- Sign up here.
Chamber Events
Columbus Impact Ohio
Through a partnership between the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and JobsOhio, this unique event will bring together key government officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to discuss important issues and opportunities facing the Columbus Region, including property taxes and legislative policy.
During this information-packed conference, attendees will hear first-hand from policy experts on current political activities and have an opportunity to network and participate in Q&A.
Business Advocacy | Talking Tariffs
Understanding tariffs and the impact on the economy
Join the Columbus Chamber for Talking Tariffs, a focused business advocacy conversation exploring what tariffs are, why they are being used, and how they affect the economy and the Columbus Region. This session will break down trade policy into clear, practical insights to help business leaders understand potential risks, opportunities, and real-world impacts.
Local Election Results
Visit: https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/local-election-results
Partners & Resources
Official resources can be found online:
