The open race for Ohio Secretary of State in the upcoming November election features Republican State Treasurer Robert Sprague and Democratic State Representative Allison Russo. The Secretary of State oversees elections and holds seats on both the Ohio Redistricting Commission and the Ohio Ballot Board, making it a powerful and important statewide office.
The two candidates have outlined significant contrasts in their approaches to the role.
Robert Sprague has made voter security a cornerstone of his campaign, pledging to keep ineligible voters out of the ballot box. Sprague aligns with other Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who advocate for strict photo identification requirements for voters and have expressed reservations about mail-in voting. Sprague told the Capital Journal that his campaign focuses on ensuring voters understand the differences between his and Russo's stances. He views the state's election system as requiring consistent enforcement and continuous improvement, and said voters he has spoken with on the campaign trail agree that Ohio's elections are effective because fraud is taken seriously. Sprague supports an effort to make photo ID requirements part of the Ohio Constitution, a measure known as Issue 3 that voters will decide on in November. He indicated that voters he has talked with "overwhelmingly" support this constitutional amendment.
In contrast, Allison Russo, who serves as the Democratic state representative for the 7th District, stated her primary goal as Secretary of State would be to ensure voting remains accessible through all legal methods. These methods include early voting, mail-in voting, and the use of ballot drop boxes. Russo emphasized to the Capital Journal that, "Voting should be convenient for our eligible citizens and voters." She asserted that there is no evidence of voter fraud related to mail-in voting or ballot drop boxes, and that current rules effectively protect access. Russo also pointed to Trump's history of voting by mail in Florida as an example that such methods are appropriate for any voter who chooses to use them.
Ohio law currently mandates a valid form of photo identification, which is verified both when a voter registers and at polling locations. Opponents of the proposed constitutional amendment (Issue 3) argue that photo ID requirements already exist in state law. They contend that embedding these requirements in the constitution could make future adjustments more difficult and potentially open the door to further restrictions on voters.
Current Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who is term-limited and running for Ohio Auditor, has consistently stated that voter fraud is rare in the state and that existing processes are working to prevent it. Russo has also pledged to act as a "guardrail to overreach" by the legislature or the president. She referenced a previous instance where private voter data was turned over to the U.S. Department of Justice. Russo said she plans to advocate for accurate information, push back against misinformation, and ensure local election workers have the necessary resources and training.
The candidates also disagree on why they have not appeared together in a debate this election season. Sprague stated he agreed to participate in an event hosted by Spectrum News 1 Ohio, but claimed Russo would not partake. He expressed disappointment, saying he did not see how citizens could be asked to increase their civic participation if candidates would not discuss their ideas publicly. In September, a spokesperson for the Russo campaign, Dennis Willard, stated that Russo values voters hearing directly from candidates. However, Willard added that before agreeing to a debate, Sprague needed to "stop spreading lies and half-truths." Russo later indicated that her team had provided dates to Spectrum for a debate, but the selected date was one she was unavailable for. She suggested that Sprague's claims about a debate were a "political stunt," noting his unavailability for other media endorsement forums. Sprague, in response, called Russo’s comments "a cop out."
Both candidates observed that voters are tired of the "nastiness" in political campaigns. Russo attributed much of this rhetoric to Trump and other Republicans, pointing to attacks on specific groups and statements about immigration. She feels these discussions are disconnected from the day-to-day experiences of voters, such as concerns over gas prices and property taxes. Sprague acknowledged that the current political environment has led to fewer undecided voters, making it crucial to engage with them and address their "pain points," which include the cost of living and affordability.
Despite their differences, Sprague and Russo both committed to running the Secretary of State's office with qualified individuals and with the public's best interests in mind. Russo highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency for elected leadership through the power of the vote, and maintaining "fair, free, and secure elections." Sprague stressed the necessity of professionalism and having competent people in charge of the office.
Early voting, including military, overseas, and absentee options, is already underway in Ohio. The last day for early in-person voting is November 1. Absentee ballots must be received by local boards of elections by November 3. On Election Day, November 3, in-person voting will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
