Unlike recent years, the 2025 ballot is distinguished by the absence of any statewide issues. Instead, the power of decision rests with voters in hundreds of municipalities, school districts, and counties determining their leadership and funding priorities for the coming years.
The Focus: Local Races and Funding
The day is dominated by crucial municipal contests, including highly watched mayoral and city council races in major metropolitan areas:
* Cleveland residents are determining if Incumbent Mayor Justin Bibb will retain his seat against challenger Laverne Gore.
* The mayoral races in East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights are also seeing strong voter engagement.
* Countless races for school boards and village councils are on the ballot, often drawing intense local attention as neighbors compete to shape education and community services.
Beyond the candidates, a significant portion of the ballot is dedicated to local levies and bond issues. These proposals seek voter approval for essential services and infrastructure:
* In Summit County, voters are considering a renewal and increase for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board.
* Communities across the state are voting on property tax levies to fund local police, fire departments, and senior citizen services.
* School districts are asking for support for construction and operational costs, such as the bond issue before Jonathan Alder Local Schools.
Key Voting Rules for Election Day
As voters make their way to the polling locations, election officials have issued clear reminders on state law to ensure a smooth voting process:
* No Ballot Selfies: A critical reminder circulating today is the prohibition on taking photographs that show a completed ballot. A state law enacted in 1997 (Ohio Revised Code Section 3599.20) makes it illegal to “allow the elector’s ballot to be seen by another.” While the term “selfie” is not in the statute, officials advise voters to refrain from taking any photo that displays their choices.
* Time Limits: To manage lines at crowded polling centers, a time limit of ten minutes is enforced for any voter occupying a compartment or machine, though this limit does not apply to voters using accessible machines as required by the Help America Vote Act.
Elections officials are urging all registered voters to participate, emphasizing that while national headlines may be quieter this year, the decisions being made today directly affect their daily lives, from tax rates and school funding to local public safety.