Ohio voters face crucial decisions on Election Day; what is on the ballot

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — As Election Day unfolds across the nation, Ohioans are casting their ballots in several high-profile races, including a high-stakes Senate race and crucial seats on the state Supreme Court.

SENATE RACE:

The Senate race between incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican businessman Bernie Moreno has become the most expensive non-presidential race in history, with candidates and political action committees spending a staggering half a billion dollars.

The candidates themselves have not had a debate this entire election season. The poll shows a late change in this race, with Bernie Morena now leading Sherrod Brown by nearly two points.

It is Brown’s first choice on the ballot at the same time as former President Donald Trump has expressed his support for Moreno.

To learn more about the Senate race, read this article.

OHIO SUPREME COURT:

In addition to the Senate race, three Ohio Supreme Court seats are up for grabs. Democrat Lisa Forbes, who currently sits on Ohio’s 8th District Court in Cuyahoga County, is challenging Republican Dan Hawkins of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Another race features current judges Melody Stewart and Joe Deters, with Deters serving as a Hamilton County prosecutor before joining the bench last year. Judge Michael Donnelly, an incumbent since 2019, faces Megan Shanahan, a Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas judge, for the final seat.

Franklin County’s prosecutor race is also drawing attention as Gary Tyack is not seeking re-election. Democrat Shayla Favor, a Columbus City Council member and former assistant city attorney, is running against Republican John Rutan, who runs his own law firm.

NUMBER 1:

Ohioans are also voting on Issue One, an initiative aimed at ending gerrymandering by replacing the current politically-led commission with a citizens’ commission made up of five Democrats, five Republicans and five independents.

The current commission, dominated by elected officials, has seen its maps declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court seven times. Supporters argue the change would empower voters, while opponents argue the civilian board would lack accountability.

FEES:

School districts across Ohio are seeking voter approval of levies to accommodate growing student populations. Reynoldsburg and Marysville have placed emergency operating taxes on the ballot.

Reynoldsburg’s levy, the first in 14 years, would raise $8.5 million through a property tax increase to support transportation, utilities and competitive teacher pay. That would cost homeowners an additional $233 annually per $100,000 of the property value.

Marysville, facing a budget shortfall after cutting $2 million this year, is asking for a levy to cover day-to-day operations. The proposed tax would cost $192.50 annually for a $100,000 home and $577.50 for a $300,000 home.

Both districts stress the necessity of these levies to prevent cuts to staff and programs, marking a critical decision for homeowners heading to the polls.