LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio — While primary elections often get less attention than general elections, there is still a lot on the ballot for Toledoans and Lucas County residents as a whole.
LaVera Scott, director of the Lucas County Board of Elections, said there is no shortage of important issues and races that residents should vote on in the March primary. The polls open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and the board of elections is prepared.
Voters can weigh in on which candidate from their party advances to the November general election for openings in the U.S. House, Ohio House and Ohio Senate, as well as Lucas County Board of County Commissioners and other elected positions.
But Scott said this year, many of those races are uncontested. According to Scott, the biggest changes will come from the issues on the ballot, such as Lucas County's Issue 8, which will decide how the county's mental health resources are used.
There are also the city issues. Toledoans will vote on two income tax renewals that support emergency services and roads. Ottawa Hills, Waterville and Otsego residents will be deciding on multiple school levies.
If you have never voted in a primary before, but want to have a say in how things happen at a local level, Scott said this is your chance to do your research and go vote.
"I always say: your vote is your voice, and that because there's many different races. A lot of people say, 'I only care about the president.' But there are a lot of important races on there that aren't the president," Scott said. "So I always say, if you care about the way laws are being written and interpreted, I always say vote for people that share your same interests."
But Scott said there are some key details voters need to know before they step into the polls Tuesday. She said since the last presidential primary, ID laws have changed. Before going to the polls, you must bring a photo ID or you will be required to instead fill out a provisional ballot in order to vote.
Scott said another key detail is on your ballot. In many cases, you'll find only one name printed next to many of the races. She said it has already led to some confusion, but she said that it is not a misprint as many of the races this year are unopposed and without a challenger until the November general election.
Scott also pointed out the biggest detail that she said confuses people, which is what it means to participate in a partisan election and how tomorrow's vote will affect your party affiliation moving forward.
"Whatever (party) you declare this election is what you will remain, until two years from now, if you so choose to change," Scott said. "If someone chooses to be a Democrat this time, they'll be a Democrat next time, you can't call us and say 'I want to change my party affiliation.' That's not how this works."
Polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. To find your polling place, visit the Lucas County Board of Elections website at this link: www.lucascountyohiovotes.gov.
Editor's note: This story has been edited to include details about photo identification requirements and an error with a school district levy.
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