What's on the May 5 primary ballot
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Early voting is underway for the May 5 primary election, kicking off a busy midterm year.
Why it matters: While statewide races like governor and U.S. Senate will likely grab the spotlight, there are plenty of local issues being decided now.
How to vote early: Find your location and stop by during early voting hours — currently 8am-5pm, but they'll expand the week before the election.
- Franklin County's board of elections is at 1700 Morse Road.
- View your sample ballot — and consult our quick list below.
Pro tip: If you request an absentee ballot, you must send it back to the local board of elections by 7:30pm on election night for it to count.
- A change in state law ended a previous four-day grace period.
Some highlights:
🗳️ A governor's race between Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and a Senate race between Republican Jon Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown both seem inevitable.
- Yes, but: Ramaswamy and Brown must top a few challengers in the primary before it's official.
🚓 All Columbus residents will vote on an city charter amendment that would enhance police alternatives when people call 911, an issue discussed last year that didn't reach a 2025 ballot.
📚 Southwest Public Libraries is asking for a slightly larger levy after a 2024 failure.
🏫 The Pickerington school district is among the latest to request an income tax levy, at 1.25%.
- Jonathan Alder is also asking for 0.75%.
🚒 Franklin Township still needs new funds to keep its struggling fire department afloat.
- Prairie and Sharon townships will also put new fire levies before voters.
🚓 Jefferson Township is seeking more police funding.
💰 Three counties in the region have countywide tax issues on the May 5 ballot: