A Guide to Changing Your Party Affiliation in Ohio
In Ohio, your political party affiliation is not something you choose when you first register to vote. Instead, your affiliation is determined by your actions during primary elections.
How Party Affiliation is Determined
Under Ohio law, a voter cannot affiliate with a political party when they register to vote. A registered voter is designated as Unaffiliated (Independent) until they select a party ballot (Democrat or Republican) and vote in a partisan primary election.
Your Current Status vs. Your Goal
Use the guide below to determine which ballot you should request at your next primary election to achieve your desired party affiliation:
| If you are currently… | And you want to be… | You should request a… |
| Democrat | Democrat | Democratic Ballot |
| Republican | Republican | Republican Ballot |
| Republican | Democrat | Democratic Ballot |
| Democrat | Republican | Republican Ballot |
| Independent | Democrat | Democratic Ballot |
| Independent | Republican | Republican Ballot |
| Republican | Independent | Issues-Only Ballot (or do not vote in the Primary) |
| Democrat | Independent | Issues-Only Ballot (or do not vote in the Primary) |
Important Rules to Remember
The Two-Year Rule: Voters are considered members of a political party if they voted in that party’s primary election within the preceding two calendar years.
Returning to Unaffiliated Status: If you previously voted in a partisan primary (e.g., Republican or Democratic) but now wish to be Unaffiliated, you must wait one extra election cycle for that affiliation to “drop off” by either not voting in a primary or requesting an “Issues-Only” ballot.
Issues-Only Ballots: If you do not want to affiliate with a party but still wish to vote on local initiatives or levies, you may request an “Issues-Only” ballot, provided there are certified issues in your specific precinct.
General Elections: Your party affiliation only matters for Primary Elections. In a General Election, every voter receives the same ballot and can vote for any candidate regardless of party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my party online?
No. Because affiliation is determined by the ballot you cast, you cannot change it through the voter registration website. You request the ballot of the party you wish to join the next time you vote in a primary.
What if I’ve never voted in a primary?
If you have never voted in a primary election in Ohio, you are officially listed as having “No Party” affiliation (Unaffiliated).
For more information, contact the Delaware County Board of Elections at vote.delawarecountyohio.gov.