Overview

In Ohio, the legislative power of the state is vested in the General Assembly, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Oh. Const. art. II, § 1. The Senate consists of 33 seats, and the House consists of 99 seats. “Organizational Chart.” **The General Assembly convenes its first regular session on the first Monday of January in odd-numbered years, and it convenes its second regular session on the first Monday of January of even-numbered years. Oh. Const. art. II, § 8.

The state legislature has several duties related to election administration and oversight. As the body vested with legislative power, the General Assembly has the ability to pass election-related legislation, including legislation affecting the canvassing and certification processes. Oh. Const. art. II, § 1. The President of the Senate also conducts the canvass and declares the results for statewide executive offices. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.34. In addition, the state legislature determines before what authority and in what manner the trial of contested elections is conducted. Oh. Const. art. II, § 21.

Republicans currently control both houses of the legislature. The Senate Majority Leader is Rob McColley, the Minority Leader is Nickie J. Antonio, **and the President of the Senate is Matt Huffman. “Senate Leadership.” **The Speaker of the House is Jason Stephens, the Majority Leader is Bill Seitz, and the Minority Leader is C. Allison Russo. “House Leadership.” **The next general election for state legislature is in 2024, when 16 of the 33 Senate seats and all 99 of the House seats will be on the ballot.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the state legislature are:

1. Passing legislation related to elections, including laws affecting canvassing and certification. Oh. Const. art. II, § 1.
2. Canvassing and declaring the results for elections to statewide executive offices. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.34.
3. Determining before what authority and in what manner the trial of contested elections is conducted. Oh. Const. art. II, § 21.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• **Elected: ****Members of the state legislature are elected. Oh. Const. art. II, § 2.
• Tiebreaking: In the case of a tie, the winner is determined by lot in the presence of the Board of Elections responsible for determining the outcome of the election. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.33.
• Term of Office: State Senators are elected for a term of four years and are limited to two successive terms in office. Oh. Const. art. II, § 2. State Representatives are elected for a term of two years and are limited to four successive terms in office. Oh. Const. art. II, § 2. A term is considered successive unless separated by more than four years. Oh. Const. art. II, § 2.
• Next Election: The next general election will be November 3, 2024, at which 16 Senate seats and all 99 House seats will be up for election.
• Qualifications: A member of the state legislature must possess the “qualifications of an elector.” Oh. Const. art. XV, § 4. In Ohio, to be a qualified elector a person must be a citizen of the U.S., at least 18 years of age, and a resident of the state (and relevant locality within the state). Oh. Const. art. V, § 1. The person must also have been registered to vote for 30 days. Oh. Const. art. V, § 1.
• Vacancy: **In the case of a vacancy in the state legislature, a replacement is elected by the members of the body in which the vacancy exists who are affiliated with the same political party as the person last elected to the seat. Oh. Const. art. II, § 11. The person elected to fill the vacancy must meet all qualifications for the seat. Oh. Const. art. II, § 11. The election to fill the vacancy is conducted by adoption of a resolution while the Senate or House of Representatives is in session. Oh. Const. art. II, § 11.