COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has announced the start of early voting for the state’s May primary election. Voters can now cast their ballots ahead of Election Day and are encouraged to visit VoteOhio.gov to find early voting hours, locations, and deadlines.
“Ohio’s bipartisan county boards of elections are prepared to deliver another secure and accurate election that is accessible to every eligible voter,” said LaRose. “I encourage every eligible voter to visit VoteOhio.gov and make their voting plan.”
In addition to local races and ballot initiatives, voters across the state will weigh in on State Issue 2, a proposed constitutional amendment introduced by a bipartisan joint resolution of the Ohio General Assembly.
Circleville’s 1st ward has really one of the only races in this election, a City Council position between incumbent Jeff Hallnin and newcomer Tito Duran.
Logan Elm has come back to the voters for a continued Tax Levy that the people approved of five years ago. The Logan Elm Local School District has a 1.53 mills emergency property tax levy for renewal, with an annual sum of $812,000, and a 5-year term, which voters will decide on in the May 6, 2025, primary election.
The Teays Valley Local School District Board of Education has unanimously voted to place a revised bond issue on the May 6, 2025 ballot. This decision follows the defeat of a $96 million bond proposal in March 2024, which was rejected by 75% of voters. That initial plan aimed to construct two new intermediate schools for grades 4–6, convert existing elementary schools to serve preschool through third grade, and repurpose current middle schools for grades 7 and 8. After gathering community feedback—mainly focused on the timing, size of the request, and the district’s cash reserves—the Board has developed a scaled-down plan. The new $74.39 million proposal includes $64.39 million in bond funding and a $10 million contribution from the district. It maintains the construction of two intermediate schools, now designated for grades 5 and 6, with capacity for future expansion. One school would be located on the TV East Middle School campus, the other at the Scioto Elementary/TV West Middle School campus, both on district-owned land. If enrollment projections hold true, a second construction phase may be required within the next 8–10 years. To help alleviate current overcrowding, the district also plans to implement redistricting for the 2025–26 school year.
What Is State Issue 2?
State Issue 2 would authorize the State of Ohio to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds over 10 years to fund public infrastructure capital improvements. These projects would include:
- Roads and bridges
- Wastewater treatment systems
- Water supply systems
- Solid waste disposal facilities
- Storm water and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities
According to the official ballot language, the measure seeks to:
- Allow the issuance of bonds to finance or assist in financing infrastructure projects by local and state governments.
- Recognize infrastructure investments as necessary for public health, safety, welfare, job creation, and economic growth.
- Limit total bond issuance to $2.5 billion over a 10-year span, with up to $250 million issued in each of the first ten fiscal years.
- Set bond maturity terms to a maximum of 30 years.
- Enable the General Assembly to pass laws implementing the amendment, including measures promoting the use of Ohio-based products, services, and labor.
The measure would take effect immediately upon approval.
A YES vote would approve the amendment, allowing the state to proceed with the bond issuance. A NO vote would reject the measure and prevent the proposed funding from moving forward.
Ohio’s Constitution already allows infrastructure bonds under Section 2s, but the passage of Issue 2 would reauthorize and expand the state’s ability to invest in critical infrastructure projects.
As voters prepare for the primary, officials are reminding Ohioans that every vote matters — not only in electing leaders but in shaping the state’s future infrastructure and economy.
For full ballot language and additional election details, visit VoteOhio.gov.
