Thousands of Franklin County voters have already cast ballots ahead of the May 5 primary in Ohio, some of whom say the statewide elections on the ballot are what's drawing their interest.
Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians face choices on who to nominate for Ohio governor, U.S. Senate and several other statewide, county and state legislative offices. Columbus voters also get to vote on a charter amendment which would create an alternative crisis response team for mental health and substance abuse calls.
Franklin County Board of Elections spokesperson Aaron Sellers said in an email that as of April 19, more than 15,000 voters have cast ballots either by mail or in person at the early voting center on Morse Road. Democratic ballots outnumber the other three options — Republican, Libertarian and Independent — by more than a 2-1 margin.
Westerville resident Eric Jones said he voted in the Democratic primary for Secretary of State candidate Allison Russo of Upper Arlington. Russo is running against Cincinnati-area doctor Bryan Hambley. Jones said the state of democracy is on his mind.
"I'm thinking about fair maps. I'm thinking about democracy, how important it is for us to be able to have everybody's votes represented in the right measure," Jones said.
Likewise, Northland resident Michele Vinglas said she voted for Russo, but she is most interested in the Ohio governor's race. Vinglas said she used to be a Republican, but President Donald Trump's actions in office have turned her away from the party.
Vinglas said she is excited to vote for Democrat governor candidate Dr. Amy Acton in November.
"Acton got us through COVID. I think she was a very stable, calming voice. Yep, she has no political credentials, but I really think that she may be a breath of fresh air that Ohio needs, because I think we've had too much Republican leadership," Vinglas said.
Acton is running uncontested in the Democratic governor primary, while Republicans have a choice between Vivek Ramaswamy, Casey Putsch and Heather Hill.
Don Tucker, a retired Westerville Republican, wouldn't say who he voted for, but said he felt there was only one candidate for governor he felt is qualified.
"There's only one I feel that has the experience and ability on the Republican ticket. Unfortunately, I don't feel there's any on the Democrat side," Tucker said.
Tucker said the high costs of property taxes is on his mind even though his ballot didn't have any property tax levies this time. Tucker said he isn't in favor of abolishing all property taxes, but the state needs to provide some kind of relief.
"It's just very, very expensive. You know, I look at what it was when I bought my house and it's doubled. And being retired now, it's harder and harder," Tucker said.
Petitioners are circulating a ballot initiative that may make the ballot in November and seeks to abolish property taxes.
Even though Republicans like Tucker may be outnumbered in a place like Franklin County, he said it's important for everyone to get out to vote.
"If you don't vote, then don't complain. It's a democratic society and even if my candidates don't win, I'm fine with it if that's what the majority wants, right or wrong," Tucker said.
Early voting continues on weekdays until May 1 with options to vote early on the weekend on May 2 and May 3.
Ohio law now requires all absentee mail ballots to be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
