Ohio Code 3505.26 – Closing polls procedures
At the time for closing the polls, the voting location manager shall by proclamation announce that the polls are closed.
The precinct election officials shall then in the presence of observers proceed as follows:
(A) Count the number of electors who voted, as shown on the pollbooks;
(B) Count the unused ballots without removing stubs;
(C) Count the soiled and defaced ballots;
(D) Insert the totals of (A), (B), and (C) on the report forms provided therefor in the pollbook;
(E) Count the voted ballots. If the number of voted ballots exceeds the number of voters whose names appear upon the pollbooks, the voting location manager shall enter on the pollbooks an explanation of that discrepancy, and that explanation, if agreed to, shall be subscribed to by all of the precinct election officials. Any precinct official having a different explanation shall enter it in the pollbooks and subscribe to it.
(F) Put the unused ballots with stubs attached, and soiled and defaced ballots with stubs attached, in the envelopes or containers provided therefor, certify the number, and then proceed to count and tally the votes in the manner prescribed by section 3505.27 of the Revised Code and certify the result of the election to the board of elections.