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Sponsors say House Bill 197 would standardize Ohio primary to first Tuesday after first Monday in May
Summary
Sponsor testimony at the House General Government Committee supports moving Ohio’s presidential-year primary to the same May date used in non-presidential years, citing consistency, better weather, poll worker availability and reduced voter confusion; members asked about turnout, campaign timing and evidence.
Representatives Troy and Brown Piccolantonio told the House General Government Committee during the bill’s first hearing that House Bill 197 would set Ohio’s primary election date for presidential years to the same date used in other years — the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May — arguing the change would bring consistency for voters and election officials.
Representative Troy said the move would “minimize voter confusion” and shorten the election season by removing the special mid-March date the state uses in presidential years. He said candidates currently must file petitions many months before the actual November election and that a…
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