Kenton, Ohio Public Records

Ohio residents can register to vote online through the Ohio Secretary of State's website at www.olvr.ohiosos.gov, completing registration applications electronically. The state requires voters to be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, residents of Ohio for at least 30 days, and not incarcerated for a felony conviction. Registration must be completed at least 30 days before an election. Acceptable identification includes an Ohio driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. First-time voters who register by mail may need additional identification when voting. Residents can verify their registration status, update their address, or check their polling location at www.voterlookup.ohiosos.gov. The city operates as a statutory municipality with an elected mayor-council form of government. Municipal elections for mayor and city council are held in odd-numbered years during the November general election. Local ballot issues may include tax levies for schools, infrastructure, or emergency services. The Hardin County Board of Elections publishes information about local candidates and issues on their website approximately 90 days before each election. Residents can find their assigned polling place by visiting www.voterlookup.ohiosos.gov and entering their address, or by calling the Board of Elections at 419-674-2236. Most precincts vote at locations such as Kenton Elementary School, the Hardin County Fairgrounds, or local churches.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Kenton voters are published by the Ohio Secretary of State Elections (https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/).D. Vance's seat is not up until 2028, but Sherrod Brown's seat status depends on 2024 results). County-level races will include Hardin County Commissioner seats, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clerk of Courts, Recorder, Auditor, Treasurer, Engineer, and Coroner positions, most of which serve four-year terms. Kenton Municipal Court Judge also appears on the ballot periodically. Voters should consult the Hardin County Board of Elections website for the finalized candidate list, which is published after filing deadlines in early 2026. Ohio offers multiple methods for casting ballots. Early in-person voting is available at the Hardin County Board of Elections beginning approximately four weeks before Election Day, including limited weekend hours. Absentee voting by mail is available to any registered voter who requests a ballot, no excuse is required. Applications for absentee ballots can be submitted online through the Ohio Secretary of State's website, downloaded and mailed to the Board of Elections, or requested in person. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is three days before the election (by mail) or noon the day before Election Day (in person). Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by the day before Election Day and received by the Board of Elections within ten days after the election, or delivered in person by 7:30 PM on Election Day. Military and overseas voters have additional accommodations under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 149.43 and Section 3501.13, election records are public documents. Voter registration lists (excluding Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers) are available for purchase from the Board of Elections for legitimate purposes such as campaign activities or election research. Precinct-level election results, including vote totals by candidate and issue, are published on the Board of Elections website after certification. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are maintained by the Ohio Secretary of State at www.ohiosos.gov/campaign-finance and searchable by candidate name, committee, or contributor. Candidate petition filings, including signatures and circulator affidavits, are public records available for inspection at the Board of Elections. Board of Elections meeting minutes and voting equipment testing records are also available for public inspection, for openness in election administration.