Hilliard, Ohio Public Records

Ohio residents can register to vote online through the Ohio Secretary of State's website at olvr.ohiosos.gov. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election. Voters need to provide their Ohio driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, Ohio residency for at least 30 days, and being at least 18 years old by Election Day. The state offers same-day registration and voting during the early voting period. Municipal elections in Hilliard take place during the November general election in odd-numbered years, when residents choose their mayor and city council representatives. The city operates under a mayor-council form of government, with a mayor elected citywide and seven council members representing geographic wards. The next municipal election is scheduled for November 2025, when voters will decide the mayor's office and council seats. Information about local candidates, ballot issues, and campaign finance reports is available through the city's website at hilliardohio.gov and the Franklin County Board of Elections. Residents can locate their specific polling place using the search tool on the Franklin County Board of Elections website at vote.franklincountyohio.gov or by calling 614-525-3100. The online voter portal also allows voters to verify their registration status, view sample ballots, and check their voting history. Ohio maintains extensive public election records. Voter registration lists are available for inspection, though personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth are redacted. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political action committees are searchable through the Ohio Secretary of State's website. The Board of Elections publishes election results by precinct following certification. Candidate petitions, ballot issue filings, and board minutes are also public records available upon request. In the November 2024 presidential election, Franklin County reported approximately 54% voter turnout among registered voters, with over 400,000 ballots cast countywide. Precincts in Hilliard typically show turnout rates slightly above the county average. On November 3, 2026, voters in Hilliard and Franklin County will participate in a midterm general election deciding multiple important races. Ohio's U.S. Senate Class III seat will be on the ballot, as Senator Sherrod Brown's term expires in January 2027. All of Ohio's 15 U.S. House seats will be contested, with local residents voting in Ohio's 3rd or 15th Congressional District depending on their specific location. State legislative races include Ohio Senate District 16 and Ohio House of Representatives districts covering the area. The county will elect various countywide offices including County Commissioner seats, and depending on the electoral calendar, potentially County Sheriff, Treasurer, Recorder, Engineer, Coroner, and Clerk of Courts positions. Voters may also decide on local school board positions, municipal charter amendments, and county or state ballot issues including potential tax levies and constitutional amendments. Ohio voters can request absentee ballots for any reason. Applications are available at vote.franklincountyohio.gov or by calling the Board of Elections. Absentee ballot applications must be received by noon on the Saturday before Election Day. Completed ballots must be postmarked by the day before Election Day and received within 10 days after the election, or deposited in the Board of Elections ballot drop box by 7:30 PM on Election Day. The state also offers early in-person voting at the Board of Elections office beginning 28 days before Election Day, including evening and weekend hours.