Lima, Ohio Public Records

Registration must happen at least 30 days before any election, requiring either an Ohio driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number along with proof of residency for new registrants. Municipal elections in the city take place during odd-numbered years, with the next mayoral and city council contests set for November 2025. The mayor serves four-year terms, while council members represent both wards and at-large seats. Local voters also participate in county commission races, judicial selections, school board elections, and state and federal races. Residents can locate their polling place using the lookup tool at https://www.allencountyboe.com or by calling the board directly. Early in-person voting starts 28 days before Election Day at the Board of Elections office, and Ohio permits no-excuse absentee voting for all registered voters. Absentee ballot applications go to the Allen County Board of Elections via the online portal at https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/absentee-voting, by mail, or in person. Applications must arrive by noon the Saturday before Election Day for mail ballots or three days prior for in-person pickup. During the November 2024 presidential election, the county recorded roughly 46,000 votes from about 68,000 registered voters, producing a turnout near 68 percent. On November 3, 2026, voters in the area will decide multiple significant races. While Ohio has no U.S. Senate seat up that year (the next Senate race comes in 2028), residents will choose candidates for Ohio Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Ohio Secretary of State, Attorney General, and other constitutional offices. State legislative contests include Ohio House of Representatives seats—the city falls within Ohio House District 84—and potentially Ohio Senate depending on district cycles. County offices on the 2026 ballot include County Commissioner, County Auditor, County Recorder, and Common Pleas Court judges, along with possible school levies and municipal ballot questions. Public election records in Ohio include voter registration lists available for purchase for legitimate purposes, campaign finance reports filed with the Ohio Secretary of State at https://www.ohiosos.gov/campaign-finance, candidate filings and petitions, precinct-level results available at https://www.allencountyboe.com after certification, and Board of Elections meeting minutes. Ohio law (ORC §3503.31) permits qualified individuals to inspect voter registration records at the board office. Campaign finance disclosure requirements apply to candidates and political action committees, with searchable online reports detailing contributions and expenditures.