Ohio Administrative Code Title 111:3 - Elections

22 Jun 2025 --
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**Ohio Administrative Code (OAC)

Title 111:3 – Elections**

Title 111:3 of the Ohio Administrative Code contains the administrative rules governing the conduct, administration, and enforcement of elections in the State of Ohio. These rules are issued by the Ohio Secretary of State under authority granted by Ohio election statutes.

The title supplements Ohio’s election laws by providing detailed procedures and standards for election officials, boards of elections, candidates, and voters.

1. Purpose of Title 111:3

The primary objectives of OAC Title 111:3 are to:

Ensure free, fair, and orderly elections

Standardize election procedures across all counties

Protect voter access and election integrity

Provide guidance to county boards of elections

Prevent fraud, error, and administrative inconsistency

2. Scope of Title 111:3

Title 111:3 applies to:

Statewide elections

Local and municipal elections

Primary and general elections

Special elections

Referenda and ballot issues

It governs both pre-election preparation and post-election processes.

3. Major Regulatory Areas Covered

A. Voter Registration

Title 111:3 includes rules on:

Voter registration forms and procedures

Deadlines for registration

Maintenance and updating of voter rolls

Handling inactive or challenged voters

Address changes and name corrections

Principle: Eligible voters must be able to register easily, while ensuring accurate voter records.

B. Boards of Elections

The Code sets rules for:

Composition and duties of county boards of elections

Training and qualifications of election officials

Conflict-of-interest standards

Administrative responsibilities and oversight

Boards of elections are responsible for implementing elections according to uniform state standards.

C. Voting Methods and Ballots

Title 111:3 regulates:

Types of ballots (paper, electronic, provisional)

Ballot design, layout, and clarity

Accessibility requirements for voters with disabilities

Early voting and absentee voting procedures

Key rule: Ballots must be clear, neutral, and accessible to all eligible voters.

D. Absentee and Early Voting

Rules include:

Requesting absentee ballots

Verification of voter identity

Ballot issuance, tracking, and receipt

Processing and counting absentee ballots

Handling late or defective ballots

The Code emphasizes chain of custody and voter privacy.

E. Polling Places and Election Day Procedures

Title 111:3 governs:

Selection and setup of polling locations

Opening and closing procedures

Duties of poll workers

Voter identification and check-in procedures

Handling challenges at polling places

Core principle: Polling places must be orderly, secure, and free from intimidation.

F. Provisional Ballots

Rules address:

When provisional ballots are issued

Documentation required from voters

Review and verification after Election Day

Criteria for counting or rejecting provisional ballots

This ensures voters are not disenfranchised due to administrative issues.

G. Election Security and Integrity

Title 111:3 includes provisions on:

Safeguarding voting machines and ballots

Sealing and storage of election materials

Preventing tampering or unauthorized access

Incident reporting and investigation

Security rules apply before, during, and after elections.

H. Counting, Canvassing, and Certification

The Code regulates:

Vote tabulation procedures

Official canvassing of results

Recounts and audits

Certification of election results

All vote counting must be transparent, verifiable, and accurate.

I. Campaign Conduct and Restrictions

Certain rules address:

Prohibited activities near polling places

Electioneering restrictions

Use of public resources in campaigns

These rules help maintain neutral election environments.

4. Enforcement and Compliance

County boards must comply with Title 111:3 rules

The Secretary of State may issue directives and guidance

Violations can result in:

Administrative sanctions

Invalidated ballots or procedures

Legal challenges in court

5. Legal Importance of Title 111:3

Title 111:3 is often relied upon in:

Election disputes

Ballot access litigation

Recount challenges

Voter eligibility cases

Courts frequently treat these rules as binding administrative law, so long as they are consistent with Ohio statutes.

6. Summary Table

Area	What Title 111:3 Regulates
Voter Registration	Eligibility, records, updates
Boards of Elections	Duties, training, oversight
Ballots	Design, accessibility, types
Voting Methods	Early, absentee, provisional
Polling Places	Procedures, security, conduct
Election Security	Ballot and machine safeguards
Vote Counting	Canvassing, audits, certification
Enforcement	Compliance and penalties