LaRose announces release of a revised, accessible version of Ohio Election Official Manual 

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced this week the release of a revised, accessible version of the Ohio Election Official Manual (EOM) – https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/elections-officials/rules/ – a statewide resource issued by the office annually with detailed guidance on the administration of Ohio elections.

The updated manual is designed to be more user-friendly both for election officials and the general public. Improvements include simplified language, clearer explanations of complex processes and procedures, the use of checklists and charts to explain concepts, and expanded resources to help Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections perform their duties.

“Election officials are on the front lines of democracy, and they deserve the best tools we can give them,” said LaRose. “This updated manual makes it easier for boards of elections to do their jobs with clarity and confidence, while also empowering the public to better understand how Ohio elections are run. It’s another step in making our elections more transparent and more trusted.”

This initiative builds on Secretary LaRose’s broader strategy to enhance election readiness and transparency. These initiatives include:

Ready for November – A comprehensive plan to ensure all counties are fully prepared for Election Day, including contingency planning, cybersecurity updates, and poll worker recruitment support.

Peer Mentorship Program – A program that pairs experienced election officials with newer staff to strengthen institutional knowledge and share best practices across the state.

Transparency Dashboards – Publicly available data tools on the Secretary of State’s website that track voter registration updates, ballot returns, and other election metrics in real time.
“With each improvement, from readiness plans to mentorship to real-time data, we’re helping Ohioans see what we see: a system that’s well-run, constantly improving, and worthy of their trust,” LaRose added.

The Ohio Election Official Manual is a critical resource that provides standardized guidance on election procedures, legal compliance, and administrative processes.