Why Vote in a Party's Primary?

A Primary Election is the nominating process by which the members of the political parties select and nominate their candidates who will appear on the next General Election Ballot. 

To vote in a Party's Primary Election, you simply announce to the poll worker that you wish to vote or nominate candidates for the _______ Party.   Provide your name, address and a valid form of ID.  You are considered affiliated with that political party once  you help nominate candidates for that political party.

A Primary only occurs when there are more candidates seeking their party's nomination than there are seats to fill.  Primary Elections are typically held on the first Tuesday, following the first Monday in May, however, Presidential Primary Elections are usually held on the first Tuesday, following the first Monday in March.

A Primary Election  is the only time that a voter must disclose or declare their Party affiliation.

General Elections are held on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday in November.

When voting in the November General Elections, a voter may vote for a candidate of their choice, regardless of the candidate's party affiliation or the voter's party affiliation.

Want to change Parties?

A Primary Election is also the only opportunity for a voter to change their party affiliation.  You may be asked to affirm a change in your registration in writing by signing an affidavit at the polls.

It is important to note that when you sign a candidate's petition so that his name can appear on a ballot, you signature will only be counted as valid if you have not voted in another political party's primary election in the preceding two calendar years.  (Example:  If you voted in a Republican Primary Election in 2010 or 2011 you may not sign a petition for a Democratic Candidate who is running for office.)

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Are you ready to vote?

If you have never voted on the electronic voting machines, it’s easy.  Click HERE to walk through an interactive simulation of each step of the voting process.  You’ll be a pro when you’re finished.

If the simulation doesn’t automatically start, feel free to click the “NEXT” button to toggle through the process.

Now, wasn’t that easy?

Thank you for making a difference, every vote counts.

  Board Members:
  Owen Hall - Chair
  Betty Cook - Member
  Toni Slusser - Member
  Mark Uhlenhake - Member

 Director:
  Deb Sneddon

 Deputy Director:
  Laura Bruns

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 General Information

Hours of Operation
  Monday   8:30A.M. - 5:00P.M.
  Tuesday - Friday  8:30A.M. - 4:00P.M.

 Address
  101 N. Main Street Rm. 107
  Celina, OH 45822

 Telephone
   419-586-2215

 Fax
  419-586-2748

 E-mail
  mercer@sos.state.oh.us

Regular Meetings

3rd Tuesday of each month
 at 9:00 a.m. and Election Day unless published otherwise.

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2011 Elections

Primary Election

May 3, 2011

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2010 Elections

Primary Election Results
May 4, 2010
 

General Election Results

November 2, 2010

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2008 Elections
 

General Election Results

November 4, 2008

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Ohio Secretary of State:
www.sos.state.oh.us

Director of Elections
Job Description

Secretary of State's Directive
Minimum Requirements for Directors

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