May 2025 Primary Election
By: Stephen Ciacchi, Director, Political Affairs
On May 6, 2025, Ohio will hold its primary election, featuring numerous local issues and a significant statewide measure to fund public infrastructure projects. Engaging in this election allows Ohioans to have a direct impact on both state and local governance. Ensure your voice is heard by participating in the upcoming primary.
Voting Information:
- Early In-Person Voting: Begins April 8 and includes the Saturday and Sunday before Election Day.
- Absentee Voting by Mail: Starts April 8. Applications for absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by April 29.
- Military & Overseas Absentee Voting: Began March 21.
- Election Day: May 6, 2025. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots returned in person must be received by your board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
State Issue 2:
- About the Issue: State Issue 2 is the only statewide issue that will appear on the ballot. If passed, it would allow the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation funds over the next ten years to fund public infrastructure capital improvements across the state.
- Annual Spending Cap: the state could spend up to $250 million per year, making the funding predictable and consistent over the next decade.
- What the Funds Would Support:
- Local and state roads and bridges
- Wastewater treatment systems
- Water supply systems
- Solid waste disposal facilities
- Stormwater and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities
- Why It’s on the ballot: The amendment stipulates that these improvements are essential for preserving and expanding public infrastructure, ensuring public health, safety, and welfare, creating and preserving jobs, enhancing employment opportunities, and improving the economic welfare of Ohioans.
- History of the Program: This type of funding isn’t new. Ohio voters first approved the State Capital Improvement Program in 1987. Since then, it has paid for over 19,000 infrastructure projects and upgrades to local roads, bridges, wastewater treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities, and other infrastructure projects.
The full text of the ballot language, as well as arguments for and against the measure, are available through the following link: Secretary of State's Issue Report. It's important to note that due to a recent change in Ohio's ballot numbering system, there is no Issue 1 on the ballot. The numbering now begins with Issue 2 to avoid confusion from previous elections.
For personalized information on the candidates and issues specific to your locality, you can view your sample ballot by visiting the Ohio Secretary of State's website: VoteOhio.gov - Ohio Secretary of State
