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Voters pick between Harris and Trump, decide Issue 1 in Ohio

Voters head to the polls in person today to pick the presidential race and state and local issues. Here's the latest election news across Ohio and Michigan.

TOLEDO, Ohio — WTOL 11 is here to keep you informed with real-time updates from Election Day in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

Voters are deciding upon a wide variety of issues and races, including the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate race between Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Bernie Moreno, the District 9 U.S. House race between incumbent Marcy Kaptur and challenger Derek Merrin, and Ohio Issue 1.

Whether you're voting for the first time or have been through many elections, our blog will provide you with the latest news, time-stamped updates and on-the-ground reports.

Watch Now: Live election coverage is on WTOL 11+, available on Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple devices. Here's everything you need to know about how to get WTOL11+ for free on your devices.

Stay with us throughout the day for key developments, important moments, and everything you need to know as the votes come in.

LIVE | Current Electoral College map

Below is a map of the Electoral College, with projections from the Associated Press.

7:05 a.m. - Tecumseh Schools levy passes

The levy passed with 53% of the vote. 

5:54 a.m. - AP projects Donald Trump wins presidency

The Associated Press projected a win for Trump early Wednesday morning, closing the chapter on a tumultuous and unpredictable presidential race for the former president.

Trump also made history with his win – becoming the first person convicted of a felony to be president. 

2:50 a.m. - Trump declares victory before AP officially calls; AP calls Minnesota for Harris

Trump declared victory early Wednesday morning before the Associated Press officially projected a winner.

As Trump spoke, AP's electoral vote count was 267-214. He also claimed to have won the popular vote, though it's expected to take several days or longer to determine which candidate received the most votes nationally. 

Shortly after his speech, AP called Minnesota for Harris, netting her 10 more electoral college votes and bringing her total to 224.

2 a.m. - AP calls Pennsylvania for Trump; Kaptur claims win in Ohio's 9th Congressional District, but still too early to call

Trump won Pennsylvania's 19 electoral college votes. The Associated Press also said he won, Maine's 2nd Congressional District, netting another vote and putting his total at 267, three away from the 270 needed to win the presidency. Kamala Harris has 213 total votes.

Democratic Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur claims she has retained her seat in Ohio's 9th Congressional District over Republican challenger Derek Merrin, despite it being too close to call as of 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

1:19 a.m. - AP calls New Hampshire for Harris

Harris won the state's four electoral votes, bringing her total to 213. Trump has 247. To win, a candidate needs 270 total votes.

12:59 a.m. - AP calls Georgia, last portion of Nebraska for Trump

Trump secured Georgia's 16 electoral college votes and one vote from Nebraska's 13th Congressional District, putting his total at 247. Harris has 209.

12:02 a.m. - AP calls Hawaii for Harris

Hawaii's four electoral votes bring Harris' total to 209. Trump has 230 votes.

11:43 p.m. - AP calls Virginia for Harris

The state's 13 electoral votes bring Harris' total to 205.

11:33 p.m. - AP calls New Mexico for Harris

The additional five votes brought Harris' total to 192. 270 electoral votes are needed to win. 

11:27 p.m. - AP projects Bernie Moreno winner of US Senate seat

Moreno was up against incumbent and longtime US Senator Sherrod Brown. 

11:23 p.m. - AP calls Oregon for Harris

Harris received eight electoral votes from the projected win, bringing her total to 184.

11:21 p.m. - Ohio voters reject Issue 1

The proposed constitutional amendment would have changed the political mapmaking process for Ohio. 

11:18 p.m. - AP calls North Carolina for Trump

Trump secures 16 electoral votes, bringing his total to 230.

11:09 p.m. - AP calls Republicans Deters and Hawkins for Ohio Supreme Court

Deters' term begins on Jan. 2, while Hawkins' begins on Dec. 31. 

11:02 p.m. - AP calls Shanahan as winner of Ohio Supreme Court race commencing Jan. 1, 2025

Megan E. Shanahan won against Michael P. Donnelly. 

11 p.m. - AP calls California, Washington, 1st District of Maine for Harris

With California's 54 electoral votes, Washington's 12, and Maine's first district's single vote, Harris' total is brought to 179 votes.

11 a.m. - AP calls Idaho for Trump

This brings Trump's total to 214 electoral votes, with Idaho's 4 votes.

10:52 p.m. - AP calls Ohio State House District 41 for Erika White

Erike White won the race for State House rep against Josiah Leinbach.

10:40 p.m. - AP calls Kansas, Iowa for Trump

Each state gave Trump six electoral college votes, bringing his total to 210.

10:37 p.m. - AP calls Ohio House District 44

Republican state Rep. Josh Williams won 57% of the vote, beating Democratic challenger Dave Blyth, according to unofficial election results.

10:22 p.m. - AP Race Calls: Ohio House District 43, Harris wins District of Columbia

Harris won Washington, D.C.'s three electoral college votes.

Michele Grim, a Democrat, beat Republican challenger Wendi Hendricks with 60% of the vote, according to unofficial election results.

10:19 p.m. - Findlay City Schools income tax fails

Just over 52% of voters, or 9,451, rejected the proposed 1% earned income tax levy.

10:08 p.m. - AP calls Colorado for Harris

Colorado's 10 electoral college votes went to Harris.

10:02 p.m. - AP Race Calls: Gavarone, Ghanbari retain seats in Ohio Legislature; Trump wins Montana and Utah

Republican state Sen. Theresa Gavarone retained her seat in Ohio Senate District 2 by 60% over Democratic opponent Paloma De La Fuente and Republican state Rep. Haraz Ghanbari retained his seat in Ohio House District 75 by 60% over Democratic opponent Jan Materni, according to unofficial election results.

The Associated Press also called Montana and Utah for Trump, netting him 10 electoral college votes over the two states.

9:49 p.m. - AP calls Missouri for Trump

The win nets Trump an additional 10 electoral votes.

Trump also won Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District for an additional vote.

9:22 p.m. - UAW Local 12 Lucas County Democrats watch party

Credit: WTOL 11

9:12 p.m. - AP calls Texas for Trump

Trump wins Texas' 40 electoral votes.

9:08 p.m. - AP calls Ohio for Trump

With the win, Trump secures Ohio's 17 electoral college votes.

9 p.m. - AP calls Bob Latta for US House District 5

Latta won against Democrat Keith Mundy.

9 p.m. - AP calls North Dakota, South Dakota, Louisiana, Wyoming, Nebraska for Trump

North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming each gave Trump 3 electoral college votes for a total of 9. From Nebraska, Trump received 2 of the state's 5 electoral college votes; Louisiana gave 8.

9 p.m. - AP calls New York for Harris

Harris received the state's 28 electoral college votes.

8:37 p.m. - Lucas County turnout nearly 65%

Data from the Lucas County Board of Elections as of 8:37 p.m. shows 191,926 voters cast their ballots in the 2024 General Presidential Election. This is 64.51% of eligible voters. 

8:35 p.m. - AP calls Illinois, Delaware for Harris

Illinois gave Harris 19 votes and Delaware gave her three.

8:30 p.m. - AP calls New Jersey for Harris, Arkansas for Trump

New Jersey netted Kamala Harris 14 electoral college votes and Arkansas netted Trump six.

8:10 p.m. - AP calls 10 states in presidential race

The Associated Press has called the following states, each broken down how many electoral college votes it has:

  • Donald Trump
    • Florida: 30 votes
    • South Carolina: 9 votes
    • Tennessee: 11 votes
    • Oklahoma: 7 votes
    • Alabama: 9 votes
    • Mississippi: 6 votes
  • Kamala Harris
    • Rhode Island: 4 votes
    • Massachusetts: 11 votes
    • Connecticut: 7 votes
    • Maryland: 10 votes

8 p.m. - Polls close in Michigan

Polls in Michigan closed at 8 p.m. If you were in line at the time of closing, you have the legal right to remain in line and cast your ballot.

7:35 p.m. - Lucas County Board of Elections goes into regular session

The board began its meeting just minutes after polls closed in Ohio, formally declaring the end of Election Day in Lucas County.

Board members include Chairman Fritz Schoen, Kurt M. Young, Dawn Christen and Donald R. Miller. Lucas County BOE Director LaVera Scott and Deputy Director Tim Monaco also serve on the board.

Credit: Heather Schramm

7:30 p.m. - 190,000 ballots cast in Lucas County as polls close in Ohio; AP calls West Virginia for Trump

Polls in Ohio closed at 7:30 p.m. If you were in line at the time of closing, you have the legal right to remain in line and cast your ballot.

According to BOE data, 191,170 ballots had been cast at closing time for a turnout of 64.26%.

Credit: Lucas County Board of Elections

The Associated Press called West Virginia for Donald Trump around 7:30 p.m. for four electoral college votes, for a total of 23 across three states called for him. Kamala Harris remains at 3 votes.

Credit: TEGNA

7:11 p.m. - Three states called in presidential races 

The Associated Press has called three states so far in the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Trump is projected to have captured Indiana and Kentucky for 11 and eight electoral college votes, respectively, while Harris is projected to have taken Vermont for three votes.

Credit: TEGNA
Credit: TEGNA
Credit: TEGNA

6:30 p.m. - Polls in Ohio close in one hour

Polls in Ohio close at 7:30 p.m. If you are in line by 7:30 p.m., you have the legal right to remain in line and cast your ballot. 

6:20 p.m. - More than 100,000 Lucas County voters have cast their ballots in-person Tuesday

This represents more than 62% of eligible voters. Polls close in Ohio at 7:30 p.m.

Credit: Lucas County Board of Elections

5:45 p.m. Will Ohio's ballot confuse voters? Political analyst weighs in | WTOL 11 Election Day 2024

The University of Toledo's Sam Nelson offers analysis on Ohio's Issue 1 proposed constitution amendment, which would change the way the state constructs political maps. 

5:24 p.m. - Toledo Public Schools Board of Education polling location

Credit: WTOL 11
Credit: WTOL 11

5:20 p.m. - 'He's an example of me and I'm an example of him': Northwest Ohio voter shares experience with son

This voter said she brought her son with her to see how the voting process works. 

"I've really been slacking, and this year I said I was going to be the example that I wanted my son to see so that's why I made it my business to come out her and vote, and bring him with me so he can see because he's an example of me and I'm an example of him," she said. 

Other voters at the Wood County fairgrounds said this election was crucial. They wanted to make their voices heard. 

Credit: WTOL 11

"You can't really have your voice heard unless you go do something about it, and with this presidential election being a big one, a lot of stakes, I just felt like my voice needed to be heard and voting is a way to do that," said one Wood County voter. 

Credit: WTOL 11

5:15 p.m. - Ohio sets state-wide record for early in-person voting, Secretary of State says

According to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, the state has broken its own record. 

5:15 p.m. - A look at the Republican races in Ohio | WTOL 11 Election Day 2024

5:10 p.m. - Checking in with the Lucas County Democratic Party HQ at UAW Local 12 | WTOL 11 Election Day 2024

5 p.m. - How many people have voted in-person on Election Day?

5 p.m. - What school levies are on the ballot? Looking at the issues

School districts including Toledo Public, Anthony Wayne and Tecumseh have levies on the ballot. 

Tecumseh Schools has a "sinking funds" levy on the ballot. Here's what that means. 

Here's what's on the ballot for Perrysburg schools. 

What would Issue 19 do for Toledo Public Schools? Here's what you need to know. 

4:50 p.m. - Lucas County GOP headquarters sets up election night watch party

WTOL 11's Megan Hartnett will provide live updates throughout the evening from the Holland-based watch party.

Credit: WTOL 11

4:45 p.m., National story - FBI says bomb threats to several states came from Russian email domains, deemed non-credible

The FBI said it was aware of multiple non-credible bomb threats sent to polling locations in several states as Election Day unfolds in the U.S. Tuesday.

Read more about this story here

4:30 p.m. - In-person voting surpasses early/absentee voting in Lucas County

Voter turnout has reached nearly 60%. The record for highest voter turnout in Lucas County history was the 2008 presidential election, when 70% of eligible voters voted. 

Credit: Lucas County Board of Elections

4:15 p.m. - More than 170,000 ballots cast in Lucas County

The number of Election Day ballots cast and absentee ballots cast is almost equal. 

Credit: Lucas County Board of Elections

4 p.m. - WTOL 11 Live Election Day coverage continues

2 p.m. - More than 150,000 ballots cast in Lucas County

More absentee ballots have so far been cast than in-person ballots. Polls close at 7:30 p.m.

Credit: Lucas County Board of Elections

1:40 p.m. - Lucas County surpasses 50% voter turnout

More than 50% of registered voters in Lucas County have cast their ballot so far. 

Credit: Lucas County Board of Elections

Noon - 'I VOTED' ... and So Did a LOT of You

Did you get an "I Voted" sticker? We want to see them! Text your photo to 419-248-1100 and please include your first name and hometown. 

10:15 a.m. - Ballot Now, Bourbon Later

Election Day freebies and goodies often pop up as a "thank you" to those voters who do their civic duty. Mancy's Steakhouse is among those with special offers. For their "Celebrate the Vote" promotion, voters 21 and older who wear their "I Voted" sticker to the restaurant today can receive a complimentary sample pour of Buffalo Trace bourbon. The sticker must be worn and visible and only one complimentary pour per guest. 

Credit: Mancy's

9:50 a.m. - Will it Rain on Election Day? 

Credit: WTOL 11

It will be a breezy, warm and mainly dry start to Election Day on Tuesday. Temperatures in the morning will be in the 60s.

Overall, it will be a warm and breezy day on tap as high as will likely reach record warmth into the upper 70s for this afternoon. 

Wind gusts from 35 to 45 mph will continue into the afternoon and evening with highs expected to be near record levels reaching through the mid and upper 70s. 

The current record stands at 76 degrees set back in 2022. 

Tuesday will be a mainly dry day overall, with the chance of rain increasing late Tuesday night and very early Wednesday morning. Rainfall totals will be less than a quarter-inch for all areas.

9 a.m. - Get a Ride to the Polls

A Toledo-area organization is offering free rides to polls for the presidential election in Lucas and northern Wood counties. To get a ride on Election Day, call 419-868-3669 or email gotvohio@gmail.com, the Toledo Area Jobs with Justice & Interfaith Worker Justice Coalition said in a press release.

Toledo Area Jobs with Justice Secretary Bob Lynn Jr. said the coalition offers voter verification services to help people know where to go, what identification to bring, and their voting status. 

"The first thing we do is to check that you're registered so that you don't have any issues and that you have ID so that you're able to go in and vote. Those are the rules here in Ohio, after we do that, then we line up a driver to be able to take you to go and vote," Lynn said.

TARTA is also offering free rides to the polls today. TARTA fixed route, paratransit and TARTA Flex on-demand services will be free all day today as part of the Voter Ready with TARTA campaign. At tarta.com/news/voteready, customers can find resources to help them locate their polling place and find which route can get them there.

8 a.m. - Polls are Open

Polls in both Ohio and Michigan are open and in-person voting is underway! In Ohio, polls will remain open until 7:30 p.m. Michigan's polls remain open until 8 p.m.

Credit: WTOL 11
Voters line up at Byrnedale Elementary to vote at 8:15 a.m.

What to Know Before Voting in Ohio

Ohio Voting Guide 2024

To look up your voting districts and  polling location, use the voter lookup portal on the Ohio Secretary of State website. For more voting information and a breakdown of the races and candidates across northwest Ohio, check out the WTOL 11 Ohio voter guide.

Ohio Sample Ballots

The Ohio Secretary of State's website offers a clickable map or an alphabetical list of counties where you can research your sample ballot. When you click your county, enter your name and then select your sample ballot to see the issues and candidates you'll be voting on. 

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