Most aspects of voting and administering elections fall to the states. State and local government roles in elections include managing and implementing all election administration and voting, choosing voting methods and purchasing equipment, determining voter eligibility and identification requirements, and securing election systems and polling places.
The federal government's role in elections primarily ensures that state, territorial, and local jurisdictions administer their elections consistent with federal law.
According to the Ohio Revised Code, a political party is any group of voters that, at the most recent regular state election, polled for its candidate for governor, or nominees for presidential electors, at least three percent of the entire vote for such office.
A political party can also be defined as any group of voters that files a valid petition to become a political party, per the requirements set forth by the ORC.
Address: 2141 Park Rd, Springfield, Ohio 45504
Mailing Address: Clark County Democratic Party PO Box 451, Springfield, OH 45501
Phone: 937-314-3343
E-mail: info@clarkcountydems.org
Address: 7072 Dayton Springfield Rd, Enon, Ohio 45323
Mailing Address: Clark County Republican Party PO Box 171, Springfield, Ohio 45501
Phone: 937-536-4747
E-mail: clarkohiorepublicans@gmail.com
A minor political party in the United States is any party other than the two major ones: Democratic and Republican. The term "minor political party" is often used interchangeably with "third party."
Although there are hundreds of minor political parties in the United States, only certain parties qualify to have the names of their candidates for office printed on election ballots. In Ohio, a party formation petition has to meet multiple requirements to get ballot placement.
Here are some of the more well-known ones:
Libertarian Party of OhioAddress: 6230 Busch Blvd., Suite 102, Columbus, OH 43229
Mailing Address: Libertarian Party of Ohio, P.O. Box 29193, Columbus, OH 43229-0193
E-mail: info@lpo.org
Green Party of OhioMailing Address: Green Party of Ohio, c/o 1021 E. Broad St, Columbus OH 43205
Website: https://ohiogreens.org/
Constitution Party of OhioPhone: (614) 949-6924
E-mail: chair@constitutionpartyohio.com
The Board of Elections is responsible for ensuring fair, accurate, and timely elections at primary, general, and special elections. The office also receives petitions for nominations, checks signatures and addresses for validity, and monitors campaign expenses to ensure compliance with the law.
Address: 3130 E Main St, Springfield, OH 45505
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)
Phone: (937) 521-2120
Governor's OfficeThe governor's office oversees the administration of elections, ensuring they are conducted fairly and according to state laws. It also has the power to call special elections and appoint officials to fill vacancies.
Ohio Election CommissionThe Ohio Elections Commission website provides information about the commission's role in overseeing campaign finance laws, handling complaints related to elections, and ensuring compliance with Ohio election laws. It also offers resources for filing complaints, accessing case records, and understanding election-related legal requirements.
Contact the Ohio Election Commission Office
Ohio Secretary of State's OfficeThe Ohio Secretary of State office oversees statewide elections, maintains the central voter registration database, provides election information, and ensures compliance with election laws.
Contact the Secretary of State's Office
Ohio Attorney General's OfficeThe Ohio Attorney General ensures the integrity of the election process by investigating and prosecuting election-related crimes and providing legal advice on election laws. The office also defends the state in lawsuits related to election issues.
U.S. Election Assistance CommissionThe U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) plays a key role in federal elections by setting standards and providing guidance on voting systems and processes. It distributes federal funds to states to improve election administration and security, conducts research on election practices, and provides resources for voter education. The EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting equipment to ensure they meet established standards.
Federal Election CommissionThe Federal Election Commission (FEC) is the only federal agency with a significant regulatory role affecting political campaigns. Among other duties, the FEC enforces civil aspects of federal campaign finance law; administers disclosure of federal campaign finance reports; administers the presidential public financing program for candidates who choose to participate; and provides compliance guidance to regulated parties (e.g., candidates) and the public.
For more details, refer to The Federal Role in U.S. Campaigns and Elections: An Overview