More than 1,200 people have cast ballots in Franklin County since early voting began last week for the Nov. 4 general election.
The Franklin County Board of Elections reports 671 Democrats, 191 Republicans and 966 voters who don't have a party affiliation voted last week. Early voting continues weekdays until Halloween and on the following Saturday and Sunday.
Odd-year elections are typically low turnout since they don't have the U.S. president or another major statewide office on the ballot. In 2023, 48% of Franklin County voters turned out compared to 67% in 2024.
Voters in central Ohio can expect to see races for city council, school board, local judges and other offices on their ballots. Communities may also see several levies and bond issues.
All the dozen voters WOSU spoke to Tuesday said the process went quickly and smoothly, with some taking as little as five minutes between entering the building, voting and leaving.
Related: Voter guide for the 2025 general election in Columbus, Central Ohio
The Columbus City Council District 7 race between Jesse Vogel and Tiara Ross is one highlight of this year's ballot. District 7 covers most of downtown Columbus and the surrounding neighborhoods, but all Columbus residents get a say in who wins the seat.
Columbus resident Nate Austin, a retired federal worker, said he voted for Ross on Tuesday. He said he didn't know much about either candidate, but the Franklin County Democratic Party sample ballot helped him pick Ross.
"For me it was eenie, meanie, miney, mo, because I don't know them," Austin said.
Volunteers were handing out the sample ballot to voters before they entered the early voting center. The placard featured the candidates endorsed by the county party.
Austin said he took the same approach to the six Columbus City Schools' Board of Education candidates.
Olde Towne East resident Jay Christopher couldn't recall the names of the school board candidates that got his vote, but he said he tried to vote for candidates for school board who are minorities and women.
"Especially minority women (who) have taken care of our community for such a long time that they need to be in places where they can help make those decisions," Christopher said.
Christopher, who is unemployed, said he voted for Vogel on Tuesday.
"I just felt more comfortable with what that person was putting out there. It wasn't a big deal for me, the bigger deal were the bonds and the levies," Christopher said.
Columbus is asking voters to approve about $2 billion in bonds to pay for affordable housing, public safety, parks and utilities. The bond appears as a package of four votes that Columbus residents will get to vote on.
The Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Board and the Columbus Zoo are asking voters to approve levies. The ADAMH levy is a renewal levy and an increase from its previous ask of property taxpayers over the last decade.
It will bring in an estimated $115 million for the group. That amounts to a $26 increase in property taxes for every $100,000 of home value.
Westerville resident Tim Maurice, a retired Columbus firefighter, said he voted for the ADAMH levy.
"I believe in the services that ADAMH provides. I think it's what we need, especially right now, there's lots of folks in need," Maurice said. "And what we can do to help them with the ballot and getting them the services they need. I think that's what you do as a citizen, you help other citizens."
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is asking for a renewal of its current levy, which will bring in about $21 million annually to help with maintenance to the park's services and buildings. It amounts to about $13 in property taxes for every $100,000 of home value.
Austin, who is from Columbus, said it is important for people to do their civic duty and cast a ballot. He said he likes early voting because it means he isn't waiting until the last minute on Election Day.
More information on early and absentee voting, including viewing sample ballots, can be found at the Franklin County Board of Elections' website.
