OHIO — In the wake of one of the most heated elections in the country’s history, the polls are open again.

Early voting is underway across the state for the May 6 primary. Ballots are filled with many local races, but there’s also one statewide issue that would authorize $2.5 billion to help improve infrastructure.

What You Need To Know

  • Early voting began Tuesday

  • Voter turnout is lower during off-year elections

  • The May 6 ballot holds many local races and one statewide issue

Voter turnout is lower during off-years, officials said. For example, in Franklin County they may see 10% voter turnout, when last November it was closer to 60%. Yet Franklin County voter Belinda Anderson hopes to be a good example.

“I am here because I think primary election is very important for the state and for my local community of Hamilton Township,” Anderson said. “I chose to come today on my lunch break, to influence my fellow community members to get out and vote as well.”

There are local races and issues all across Ohio. Cincinnati has a mayoral race and in Columbus voters will cast a vote for levies, city council and the Columbus city school board position.

Aaron Sellers, the public information officer of the Franklin County Board of Elections, said people who need guidance on how to vote have someone bring over a slip of paper and help them deposit it in the machine.

There are about 900,000 voters in Columbus, Sellers said, a little under 1,000 folks have requested an absentee ballot, which is far fewer than during presidential primaries when they mail out around 15,000 to 20,000 ballots on the first day.

Sellers said one of the biggest obstacles during off-year elections is the cost. 

“In state law, off-year elections, there aren’t as many things on the ballot,” Sellers said. “Municipalities that get things on the ballot, they have to pay to do that. Where in even year of elections, which are gubernatorial and presidential cycles, there aren’t any chargebacks.”

April 29 was the last day to request an absentee ballot, which must be postmarked no later than May 5.

Cleveland voters have Issue 2 on their ballot now, but their main primary, which includes a race for mayor, is scheduled for September.

Patrick Dunlevy was one of the first 70 people who voted today in Franklin County and wore his “Ohio Voted” sticker proudly.

“Even when I was deployed still in the Navy, I taught in Columbus for many years. After retiring I substituted for many years and I’ve always said that voting is important,” Dunlevy said. “Because if you don’t vote, you don’t have anything to say.”