Secretary of State Jon Husted...
Single Primary & Congressional Map Directive 
December 17, 2011 

Secretary of State Jon Husted has issued Directive 2011-41 to boards of elections. This directive provides guidance on implementing and administering provisions included in House Bill 369, legislation that establishes a single 2012 primary for March and enacts the newly agreed upon congressional district map for Ohio. 

As the directive outlines in greater detail, HB 369 voids the December 7 filings for U.S. Congress and presidential candidates. Candidates for congress and president, including write in candidates, MUST file or re-file by December 30, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. to appear on the March primary ballot. 

Boards of elections will be under a tight deadline as they will only have 22 days following the filing deadline for congressional and presidential candidates to prepare ballots for military and overseas voters by January 21, 2012, which are federally required to be ready 45 days ahead of the election. Early voting for all other voters will begin 35 days ahead of the election on January 31, 2012. 

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Ohio’s elections officials will work diligently to ensure the proper administration the 2012 March primary. 

To download the directive, click here