Summary of Amended House Bill 153

• Changes the date of presidential primary elections in Ohio from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May to the second Tuesday after the first Monday in March, beginning in 2016 and every four years thereafter.

• Modifies special election provisions to clarify that special elections cannot be held in February or May during years when presidential primary elections occur, but may be held on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in March.

• Applies the new March primary date to all primary elections held in years with presidential primaries, unless otherwise authorized by municipal or county charter.

• Provides that declarations of candidacy or election petitions filed for the 2016 primary election shall not be invalidated if they reference March 8, 2016, instead of the corrected date of March 15, 2016.

• Amends Ohio Revised Code sections 3501.01, 3513.01, and 3513.12 to implement these changes to election timing and procedures.