To amend section 3501.01 of the Revised Code to require a presidential primary election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May.
Summary
SB 37 would change Ohio election law to move the presidential primary election to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May. Under current law in the bill text, Ohio’s presidential primary is tied to the third Tuesday after the first Monday in March, and when a presidential primary is held, other primary elections are also shifted to March. The bill would amend the state’s election-date definitions in section 3501.01 of the Revised Code so that presidential primary elections are held in May instead, while preserving the existing framework for general elections, regular municipal elections, regular state elections, and special elections.
The measure is primarily a scheduling change, but it would affect how Ohio administers party primaries and delegate selection for the major political parties. Because the bill rewrites the statutory definition of “primary election” and “presidential primary election,” it would alter the timing of nomination-related elections and the related election administration calendar for boards of elections, political parties, candidates, and voters. The bill also leaves in place the existing exceptions for municipal or county charters and the special-election timing rules that interact with presidential primary years.
Impact
SB 37 would amend section 3501.01 of the Revised Code, changing the statutory date for presidential primary elections from March to May and updating related primary-election timing language. This would directly affect Ohio election administration, including ballot preparation, candidate filing timelines, party delegate selection, and the scheduling of other primaries in presidential-election years. It would also require election officials and political parties to operate under a revised calendar for presidential nomination contests.
Sentiment
Based on the available context, the bill appears to be a straightforward election-administration proposal rather than a highly controversial measure. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to indicate strong support or opposition. The sponsorship and cosponsorship suggest some legislative interest in the change, but the overall sentiment cannot be assessed beyond the bill’s neutral, procedural framing.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the shift in the presidential primary date itself, since moving the contest from March to May could affect Ohio’s influence in the presidential nominating process, campaign planning, and the timing of related primaries. Election officials may also need to adjust administrative deadlines and coordination with party rules. However, because no committee discussion or vote history is provided, there is no specific evidence of who supports or opposes the change or what objections were raised.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.