“Make a plan and participate.” Levies, bonds ahead of early voting in Mahoning Valley
Wondering what to expect on the ballot? Here’s what you need to know for Ohio’s primary election on May 6 and early voting which starts April 8.
According to the Mahoning County Board of Elections, residents in the city of Youngstown will be casting votes for mayor and president of city council.
In Salem, voters will get to choose the president of city council, treasurer and Member of Council at Large in the City of Salem.
There are several local levies and renewals for voters to decide on in the Mahoning Valley, including:
Austintown renewal of 0.6 mill for current expenses for 5 years.
Salem City renewal of 1 mill for recreational purposes for 5 years (Green Precinct 2)
Salem City renewal of income tax of 0.25% for streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, parking lots and storm sewers (Green Precinct 2)
Hubbard Exempted Village Schools renewal of 3.35 mills for emergency requirements for 5 years (Coitsville Precinct 1)
Village of Craig Beach replacement and increase from 1.5 to 2 mills for fire and EMS for 5 years.
Village of Craig Beach renewal of 3 mills for streets for 5 years.
Village of Lowellville increase in income levy from 2% to 2.5% for general operations
Poland Local Schools renewal of 2.26 mills for emergency requirements for 5 years.
Find your sample ballot online.
How to check Ohio voter registration
Voters can go online to check their registration information or visit a local county board of elections office ahead of the May 6 primary election in Ohio.
Ohioans have until April 7 to register to vote or make any necessary changes to their registration.
Starting the day after the close of voter registration, registered voters can cast an early in-person ballot at their county board of elections.
Use the map on Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s website for the early in-person voting location in your county.
If you’re voting early, the Mahoning County Board of Elections is open from 8 a.m. - 5 pm. at 345 Oak Hill Ave. during the week starting April 8 through April 25.
Polls will be open on the Saturday and Sunday before Election Day.
Here’s the schedule for early in-person voting, according to the Secretary of State’s website:
April 8 through April 25 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 28 from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
April 29 from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
April 30 through May 2 from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May 4 from 1 - 5 p.m.
May 3 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
“Ohioans take great pride in shaping the future of their communities at the ballot box,” LaRose said. “Whether you vote early in person, absentee by mail or on Election Day, the most important thing is to make a plan and participate.”
The polls for the election will open at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Absentee voting also starts April 8; mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by May 5.
What is State Issue 2?
If you’re looking to learn more about local and state issues, Mahoning County auditor Ralph Meacham will be presenting a guide on understanding local levies and bonds.
It’s scheduled for April 8 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County on Wick Avenue in Youngstown.
Eastgate Council of Governments will provide information about State Issue 2 on the May 6 ballot, including how this issue affects the Mahoning Valley.
During the event, there will be a handout available from Eastgate on their role in the State Capital Improvement Program with examples of infrastructure projects funded through the program.
In addition to local races and ballot initiatives, voters in the Mahoning Valley decide on State Issue 2, a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution.
According to the League of Women Voters, the amendment would fund public infrastructure and capital improvements by permitting the issuance of general obligation bonds.
If it passes, Issue 2 would authorize the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in bonds over a 10-year period, according to the Ohio Society of CPAs.
This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 12:42 PM