Primary Date: March 4th
Democratic & Republican Party Primary
Type: Modified Closed Primary
Delegates at Stake: 161 for Democrats, 88 for Republicans
The state of Ohio votes this year on March 4th, in one of the most decisive primary elections in a generation. In what is call a ‘modified closed primary’, Ohio has set up rules that allow every registered voter to choose which ballot and what party primary they would like to participate in.
The 2008 nominating process no longer hinges on Iowa and New Hampshire, as so many elections have in the past. Instead, this election has been about Super Tuesday and the states that follow. And Ohio sits in a position of power to determine who the nominee may eventually be.
In light of this, I feel it is necessary to share a quick history and voter’s guide to the most salient questions I’ve been asked about Ohio. A political professional for nearly 10 years, I hope that this guide helps to answer all of your questions. If you have further ones, feel free to leave a comment.
Can I vote in the Ohio Primary?
Only if you are a registered to vote prior to February 4th. At the time of this writing it looks like the deadline has passed for all of you who have not yet registered.
Can Independents vote in the Ohio Primary?
Yes. When you go to the polls, you will be asked which ballot you want. You many only vote in either the Democratic or Republican Primary, not both. You may also switch your party affiliation when you get a ballot by kindly asking your poll worker about this option.
Why can Independents vote in the Ohio Primary?
The State of Ohio votes in what is known as an ‘modified closed primary’. This means that as long as you have registered to vote in time, you will be allowed to choose whether you want a Republican or Democratic ballot.
Ohio’s primaries are somewhat unique. They allow any resident to pick up a ballot and cast a vote for whomever they wish, regardless of their personal party affiliation. Much like the General Election, you are free to choose who you want.
Many Independents find this system to be geared favorably towards them and typically more moderate politicians fare well in an open primary. Open primaries traditionally have better turnout since more people feel comfortable voting that day since they don’t have to officially declare that they belong to a party.
Does the Ohio Primary matter?
I don’t think I have to tell you that it matters a great deal – especially if you have been watching the news lately. When a presidential primary comes to a state like Ohio and the voting will still determine the outcome, it is a rare opportunity for voters to have their voices heard nationally.
If you are a Democrat, your vote will contribute to your candidate’s delegate total when it comes to convention time. Even if your candidate doesn’t win Ohio, the better he or she does, the more delegates he or she will have to potentially be the nominee.
If you’re an Independent voter, you should feel equally enamored. Independents are widely known to be the heartbeat of the voting public whose opinions are frequently the basis for the ‘mandate’ that new presidents talk about during their first days. There should be no doubt that the candidates want your vote more than anything else. If you help in choosing either of the nominees, you’ll help shape the next 4 years of public policy.
What resources are out there for me?
I’m afraid that not many will go this length in explaining the logic of the primary system to you, but I will point you in the right direction for better details on what to expect on Election Day.
Ohio Secretary of State’s Office
