Ohio held its primary election Tuesday, with results beginning to report across the state. Voters cast ballots on a statewide infrastructure bond measure known as Ohio Issue 2, alongside numerous local races and levies. The statewide measure aims to authorize billions in funding for public infrastructure projects.
Ohio Issue 2 would allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds over 10 years to fund transportation, water, and solid waste projects. Early results show the measure leading with a limited number of precincts reporting Tuesday evening.
Supporters say the bond package is necessary to maintain roads and bridges, citing broad bipartisan backing. Opponents, including some lawmakers, have raised concerns about adding to state debt during a period of inflation. The state treasurer's office oversees the bond issuance process if approved.
Local contests across Ohio also appeared on primary ballots. These included races for City Council and Board of Education seats in several cities, including Columbus, Hilliard, Whitehall, and Lancaster.
Voters also considered numerous local levies proposed by townships and school districts. These measures sought funding for fire and police departments, school operations, and capital projects through property taxes or income tax increases.
Early returns from Franklin County show some local measures with preliminary results. A fire levy in Washington Township appears to be passing, while similar measures in Brown and Franklin Townships show early trends against approval. Blendon Township's police levy also shows early results indicating it is not passing, while Hamilton Township's police levy is showing early approval.
Polling locations across Ohio were open until 7:30 p.m. Ballots include votes cast on Election Day and absentee ballots, which were counted first according to the Secretary of State's office. Voters were required to present a photo identification to cast a standard ballot.
The counting process is ongoing Tuesday night. Official Ohio election results will be finalized in the coming days as all outstanding ballots are tabulated.
