The Ohio Ballot Board prescribes and certifies the ballot language for proposed Constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referenda and oversees efforts to inform voters of proposed ballot issues. The Secretary of State chairs the five member board and the office of the Secretary of State provides professional, technical, and clerical support for the Board.

Several requirements and procedures must be met before a proposed statewide issue can be placed on the ballot. The requirements and procedures can be found here. The Ohio Ballot Board’s role in the process is first to determine whether the petition language contains a single issue and secondly, to prescribe the official ballot language and any missing arguments for each statewide issue.

Ohio Ballot Board Members

The Honorable Frank LaRose, Chairperson (R)
Ohio Secretary of State
180 East Broad Street, 16th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215

The Honorable Theresa Gavarone (R-SD2)
Ohio Senate
Ohio Senate Appointee
1 Capitol Square, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Ballot Board Term ends February 1, 2025

The Honorable Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-HD44)
Ohio House
Ohio House Appointee
77 S. High St., 14th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Ballot Board Term ends February 1, 2021

William N. Morgan
Ohio House Appointee
8740 Soutsville Pike
Stoutsville, Ohio 43154
Ballot Board Term ends February 1, 2021

Pavan V. Parikh
Ohio Senate Appointee
P.O. Box 598
Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-0598
Ballot Board Term ends February 6, 2023

Term ending dates listed above reflect the end of the four-year Ballot Board term as prescribed by Ohio Revised Code §3505.061(B)(1)(opens in a new window).  However, please note that the term of a Ballot Board member who is also a member of the Ohio General Assembly is the earlier of the following dates:  (a) The ending date of the ballot board term for which the member was appointed; or (b) The ending date of the member’s term as a member of the general assembly.  Ohio Revised Code §3505.061(B)(2)(opens in a new window).