The bill proposes significant amendments to Ohio's election laws, primarily establishing a top-two primary election system for various elective offices, allowing voters to select candidates from all parties in the primary, with the top two advancing to the general election. It repeals previous sections related to the old primary system and introduces new definitions for voter-nominated, nonpartisan, and partisan offices. The bill also modifies the appointment process for board members, requiring the Secretary of State to appoint members based on the political party that received the most votes in the last presidential election. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for ballots to be printed fairly, ensuring that nonpartisan candidates are clearly distinguished from partisan ones.

Further changes include streamlining the nomination process for candidates, allowing all candidates for a voter-nominated office to appear on a single primary ballot, and clarifying the procedures for filing candidacy declarations and petitions. The bill also addresses absentee voting, allowing electronic applications and specifying that voters must include their party affiliation when requesting primary ballots. It introduces new regulations for filling vacancies in party nominations and outlines the procedures for independent candidates, ensuring that the election process is more accessible and efficient while maintaining integrity. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance voter participation and clarity in the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 111.27, 3501.01, 3501.06, 3501.23, 3505.03, 3505.04, 3509.03, 3509.04, 3511.02, 3511.05, 3513.01, 3513.02, 3513.04, 3513.05, 3513.052, 3513.07, 3513.13, 3513.14, 3513.19, 3513.20, 3513.22, 3513.23, 3513.257, 3513.261, 3513.262, 3513.30, 3513.31, 3513.311, 3517.01, 3517.012, 3517.03, 3513.28, 3513.301, 3513.312