Voter Information
Voting is an important right. Every eligible voter should participate in every election because public policy impacts all of us.
Voting is not complicated, but you must stay informed because things can change – like your voting location, how you prove your identity, election dates, absentee ballot rules and more.
For example, the Ohio legislature recently voted to require photo IDs from governmental agencies such as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or a U.S . Military Service. That means county-issued Veteran ID cards are no longer accepted.
Want to learn more about Voter Registration, Voting Deadlines, Absentee Ballots and more?
Quick Reference Voter Info
The Importance of Local Elections
Your Vote is Your Voice.
Tired of dodging Potholes? Worrying about Schools? Expecting better Public Services?
Your VOTE on TUESDAY, NOV. 4 matters – a lot!
Important races are on your ballot, and your choices make a big difference. The candidates running for local offices will make decisions on issues like public safety, education, taxes, and infrastructure - decisions that impact your daily life. That's why it's important to understand what the folks in these positions will be responsible for, as well as the influence that they will have before you cast your ballot.
Township Trustees Decide Which Potholes to Fix…and more
- Oversee township roads and infrastructure, including bridges and water management
- Ensure firefighters, EMTs and police are staffed, trained and available
- Manage parks and cemeteries
- Approve budgets and manage spending
- Hold monthly meetings you can attend and advocate for your needs
School Board Members Impact Your Child’s Emotional and Academic Success
- Establish rules for how the district operates
- Hire and oversee the Superintendent – the CEO of schools
- Approve budgets (which are public record)
- Determine the curriculum used for your child
- Draw school boundaries. This means that your child’s school – and the quality of the education they are receiving - can change even when you don’t move.
- Hold monthly meetings you can attend and express your child’s needs.
City and Village Mayors Affect…Well, Just About Everything
- Set standards for effective, service-oriented employees across all departments
- Propose and enforce the budget the city or village council approves
- Establish a vision for their communities to grow and prosper
- Set the tone for community activities, and whether they match voters’ needs.
City Council Members...the Backbone of Local Governance
- Essentially the legislative body for their municipality
- Make decisions on local laws, city budget, zoning, public safety, and other policies
- Attend public and private meetings, vote on ordinances and resolutions, approve contracts and the annual budget, and appoint city officials
- Work with the mayor and city departments to solve problems and plan ahead
Municipal Judges Serve an Important Role - and Lengthy Terms
- Preside over courts that handle violations of city ordinances and state laws within a specific jurisdiction. Things like traffic infractions, misdemeanors, and some felonies
- Maintain courtroom order, ensure fair proceedings, hear testimony, review evidence, and apply the law to make decisions.
- Issue warrants, set bail, and impose penalties like fines or even imprisonment
- Must follow strict ethical rules that limit their campaign communications
- Serve a term length of 6 years
Your Vote is Your Voice. Don’t lose your chance to vote for the changes you want to see
Fast, Easy Ways to Research Candidates and Issues
We recommend the LWV Voters Guide. It takes seconds to find nonpartisan information you can trust.
2025 Voters Guide
Or, check VOTE411.org. Just type in your address to see everything on your ballot and find your polling place.
Surprising Fact: Your Vote Counts More in Local Elections
Unfortunately, while ~70% of voters show up for presidential elections, only about 20% show up for local elections. The ironic thing: local elections impact your daily life more.
It’s simple math: When fewer people vote, each vote is more powerful and has a greater impact. Local races are often decided by a few hundred votes.
Claim your Power: VOTE Nov. 4!