Election Day is right around the corner! On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, voters across Cincinnati and Hamilton County will head to the polls to cast their ballots. From major statewide races to critical local levies, the outcome of this election will shape the future of our city, county, and state.

Here is everything you need to know about what's on the ballot in Cincinnati and how to make sure your vote counts on Election Day.

What’s on the Ballot in Cincinnati?

1. High-Stakes Statewide Races

Ohio voters are deciding key leadership roles that will guide state policy for years to come:

  • Governor of Ohio: Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy faces Democratic candidate Amy Acton, the former director of the Ohio Department of Health.

  • U.S. Senate Special Election: Incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted is running against Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown to complete the remainder of the term vacated by Vice President JD Vance.

2. Statewide Ballot Measure

  • Issue 3 (Voter ID Constitutional Amendment): Ohio voters will decide on a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. Issue 3 asks voters whether to formally enshrine voter photo identification requirements directly into the Ohio Constitution.

3. Local Hamilton County & Cincinnati Levies

Down-ballot choices have a direct impact on our neighborhood infrastructure, schools, and social services. Key local measures include:

  • Issue 4 (Cincinnati Public Schools Levy): A local funding levy for Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS).

  • Issue 10 (Children's Services Levy): A Hamilton County Job and Family Services (JFS) tax levy supporting local children's services.

Essential Voting Information for Election Day

Poll Opening & Closing Hours

  • Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

  • Poll Hours: Polls across Hamilton County are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

(Note: As long as you are in line at your designated polling location by 7:30 PM, you are legally entitled to cast your vote!)

What ID Do You Need to Bring?

Under current state law, in-person voters must present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Ohio driver’s license or state ID card

  • U.S. passport or passport card

  • U.S. military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

(Note: State IDs must be unexpired and show an Ohio address.)

How to Verify Your Voting Details Before Heading Out

Because polling places can occasionally shift or update boundaries, it is always best practice to double-check your voter information before Election Day.

  1. Find Your Polling Location: Visit the Hamilton County Board of Elections portal to confirm your assigned polling precinct.

  2. Review a Sample Ballot: Look up your exact address on the local Board of Elections site to see your specific judicial, state legislative, and local levy questions.

  3. Contact the Board of Elections: If you have questions about ballot drop boxes, absentee ballot return status, or voter registration status, you can reach out directly to the Hamilton County Board of Elections office in Norwood or check their official updates online.

Make your plan to vote, head out to the polls on November 3rd, and let your voice be heard in Queen City!