Ohio has been holding presidential primary elections every presidential election year starting in 1912. However, no party other than the Democratic or Republican Parties has ever had a presidential primary in Ohio. The Ohio election law says the presidential primary is mandatory for parties that polled at least 20% for Governor in the preceding election, but other qualified parties may have a presidential primary if they wish. However, no qualified minor party in Ohio has ever asked for one.

This year, the Green Party, which is ballot-qualified, expects to hold an Ohio presidential primary. Candidates who wish to be on the party’s primary ballot need to come up with a slate of delegates and then collect 500 signatures for the presidential candidate/delegate slate. Jill Stein, who is seeking the Green Party’s presidential nomination, expects to obtain a place on the party’s Ohio presidential primary.

The Ohio presidential primary is June 12, and the Green Party national convention is July 13-15.

It is not likely that any of Ohio’s other qualified minor parties will ask for a presidential primary. The Socialist Party has already nominated its candidate. The Constitution and Libertarian Parties scheduled their national conventions ahead of the date of the Ohio presidential primary. And Americans Elect prefers not to use any of its government-provided presidential primaries. Thanks to Ben Manski for this news.