Voter guide 2025: What's on the ballot in Columbus
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With a week left until Election Day, we're diving deeper into the Nov. 4 ballot — plus how to vote early.
Columbus bonds, school board and District 7
Columbus voters' ballots are dominated by a quintet of bond issues that could shape the city's future.
Plus: Read about the hotly contested race for a City Council seat that's pitting a council-endorsed city prosecutor against an immigration attorney with criticisms of the insider nature of Columbus leadership.
Meanwhile, six candidates are vying for three seats on the Columbus Board of Education: Patrick Katzenmeyer, Jermaine Kennedy, Janeece Keyes, Mounir Lynch, Kimberley Mason and Antoinette Miranda.
Franklin County ADAMH levy
Two taxes on the ballot will be decided by all Franklin County residents. One supports a "safety net" for people seeking behavioral health care.
Catch up quick: The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County levy dates back to 1970.
- Voters most recently renewed it for five years in 2020, with 70% support.
How it works: When health insurance or benefits don't cover the cost of care, Ohio's local ADAMH boards can step in to help.
- ADAMH also supports preventive services in schools and local housing.
- The levy funds 77% of board operations.
Cost: $74 yearly for every $100,000 of appraised home value (an increase of about $18) for 10 years.
The latest: County commissioners' request increased this year due to higher operational costs and expansion of services.
- Last month, the Franklin County Crisis Care Center opened in Franklinton with the capacity to provide specialized emergency care as an alternative to hospital emergency rooms. Capacity is expected to expand.
What they're saying: ADAMH boards ensure people "can remain at work, show up for their family and show up for their community" and not be held back by mental illness, board CEO Erika Clark Jones tells Axios.
The Columbus Zoo levy
The other county-wide issue supports the more than 10,000 animals living at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Catch up quick: The levy dates back to 1985 and is renewed every 10 years.
- 76% of voters approved it in 2015.
How it works: Funding can only go toward things that directly benefit animals, such as food, habitats and veterinary care.
- The levy generates about $20 million annually, or a quarter of the zoo's annual budget.
Cost: $13 for every $100,000 of appraised home value (what residents currently pay) for another 10 years.
The latest: A lot has changed in a decade — most notably, a $2.3 million scandal came to light in 2021 and sent three former officials to prison.
- The zoo is also in the midst of a legal battle with Liberty Township over ticket prices.
- Despite the controversies, there hasn't been any major public opposition.
What they're saying: The zoo is a "treasured institution," campaign manager Alex Baker tells Axios, with residents recognizing its value for education, conservation and the economy.
What's on the ballot in Columbus suburbs
Voters in the suburbs will decide a variety of local issues, including:
🗳️ City council and school board races in several communities, including a contentious race in South Western City Schools.
📜 Canal Winchester's city charter amendments.
📈 Obetz's income tax increase from 2.5% to 3%.
🏗️ Olentangy's $235 million bond issue to pay for construction of two schools.
⚡️ Powell's electric aggregation proposal.
💧 Westerville's citizen-initiated smart utility meter charter amendment based on refuted claims about radiation.
✏️ Westerville's 0.75% school income tax levy the district says it needs to avoid drastic cuts.
⚔️ Whitehall's referendum on the controversial Fairway Cliffs condo development.
🏫 Tax issues for Delaware, Jonathan Alder, Jefferson, Southwest Licking and Walnut Township districts.
🚒 Fire or police levies for Blendon, Franklin, Jackson and Mifflin townships.
🏠 Countywide property tax proposals in Delaware, Union, Licking and Madison counties.
How to vote early in Ohio
✅ Check your registration and find your polling location here.
- View your sample ballot ahead of time.
🗳️ To vote early in person: Visit your county's board of elections through Friday from 7:30am–7:30pm, Saturday 8am–4pm or Sunday 1–5pm.
- Sunday is the final day of early voting.
⚠️ Tuesday (Oct. 28) is your last day to request absentee ballots.
✉️ To vote by mail: Call your local board of elections or visit their website to request that an absentee ballot application be mailed to you, or download the form yourself.
- Get that application to your board of elections in person or by mail.
- Completed ballots must be returned to your county board of elections by 7:30pm Nov. 4 or postmarked by Nov. 3.
🇺🇸 Election Day voting: Polling places will be open 6:30am–7:30pm Nov. 4.
- Ohio law requires a photo ID to vote in person.