LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Early voting is now underway across Ohio, with local election officials anticipating a relatively light turnout for the May primary election.
The election falls during a midterm cycle, which occurs in the middle of a president’s term. During midterms, all seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for reelection, along with a portion of the U.S. Senate. In Ohio, voters will also weigh in on candidates for governor, as current Gov. Mike DeWine is term-limited.
Locally, officials say the ballot is limited in scope, which could contribute to lower voter participation.
“During a primary election, it's essentially for the parties to narrow down candidates to go on to the November election,” said Morgan Bode, director of the Allen County Board of Elections. “We have a couple of issues on the ballot, not very many. There are no statewide issues. There are no countywide issues.”
Bode added that depending on where voters live, some may not have any local issues, such as tax levies, to consider.
Allen County residents can view a sample ballot on the Board of Elections website. Early in-person voting is available at the elections office through Election Day on May 5. Voters may also request an absentee ballot, which must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
