State Reps. Troy, Brown Piccolantonio Introduce Legislation to Bring Consistency to Ohio's Primary Election Schedule

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) and Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) last Monday introduced House Bill (HB 197) to move Ohio’s presidential election-year primary elections to the same date as non-presidential year primaries — the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May. 

“Every fourth year, we schedule our primary election in mid-March, allegedly so that Ohio can be more of a player in the presidential primary races. Ohio’s influence on that process has proven to be dubious at best, and it’s time to return to a normal and consistent election schedule,” said Rep. Troy.

“Administering free and fair elections is a testament to America’s unwavering commitment to democracy.  However, the uncertainty and confusion surrounding Ohio’s presidential primary elections in recent years have greatly hindered the crucial work of local election boards and poll workers. As a result, we are proposing a bill that would establish a consistent date for presidential primary elections in Ohio every spring. This would not only allow candidates more time for governing and less for partisan politics, but also alleviate the issues caused by uncertain election dates for election workers and the general public,” said Rep. Brown Piccolantonio.

The representatives highlight that the benefits of approving this change are several, including: 

1. Minimizing voter confusion by maintaining a consistent primary date each spring (and assuredly better weather on Election Day);
2. Eliminating the need for candidates for all federal, state, and county offices to file petitions for nomination in the preceding calendar year, nearly 11 months prior to the general election; and
3. Shortening election season, which will hopefully allow more time for governing and less for partisan politics.
    

This proposal has received strong support from the leaders of the Ohio Association of Election Officials (OAEO). 

“Voters and election officials alike need certainly from year-to-year,” said OAEO President Terry Burton. “Moving the primary to May in Presidential Election years just like every other year is common sense.  Hopefully voting in May ensures there are no ice storms in Northeast Ohio, our snowbirds are back to work the polls, and candidates are not trudging through snow to knock on doors.  We applaud Representatives Troy and Brown Piccolantonio for bringing this idea forward.”

Reps. Troy and Brown Piccolantonio’s legislation aims to restore normalcy and consistency to Ohio’s primary election schedule. 

“I believe it is imperative and important that we schedule elections in a way that makes the election schedule easier and more convenient for voters and election workers. We’ve recently had some bizarre election years with differing dates that not only confused voters, but also discouraged participation. The citizens, the “We the People” should be our main concern in scheduling and conducting elections, not the national political parties and the cadre of national political nominating convention delegate wannabe’s,” concluded Rep. Troy. 

HB 197 has been referred to the House General Government Committee and awaits a first hearing.