Expert: May 5 primary ballot issues affect Ohioans' daily lives

By Nadia Ramlagan

Ohio voters often skip primary elections but one expert said decisions on the ballot affect residents' daily lives.

Ohio’s primary election will be held May 5. According to research from the Bipartisan Policy Center, only 19% of voters cast ballots in the 2022 midterms.

Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio, said primary ballot issues and candidates can affect everything from public school and fire department funding to how local governments tackle housing affordability.

"Last year in Middletown, voters were trying to fund their school district and they lost by five votes," Miller pointed out. "What this shows us is that a lot of times voters are not showing up to primaries."

This year, voters will elect a new governor and select officials for state-level executive positions. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Primary Election Day. Voters will need to bring valid photo ID.

Miller added voters in the Buckeye state now have more options when it comes to requesting primary ballots.

"This year, Ohio voters can choose a Republican, Democratic, Libertarian or issues-only ballot," Miller outlined. "When you go to vote, as long as you're registered, you can ask for any of those four ballots to make your voice heard."

April 28 is the deadline to submit absentee ballot applications to local board of elections, either by mail or by delivering in-person. Early voting has already begun and will continue through May 3. A full list of early voting locations and dates can be found on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.