What to know before heading to the polls
A number of changes have taken place since the last election, particularly in terms of the new Ohio voter ID law.
A number of changes have taken place since some of us last voted, particularly in terms of the new Ohio voter ID law and, of course, some of the candidates who will be on the May 2 primary ballots in Tuscarawas County.
Gail Garbrandt, director of the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections, shared what’s new with the ID law. “The main thing is that the voter ID requirements have changed, whether you come in to vote early or if you go to your polling location” Garbrandt said. “You must have a current photo ID. You can’t use an expired driver’s license.”
There are other documents that can be used in place of a driver’s license, such as a State of Ohio ID card, a valid U.S. passport or a military ID card. A complete list of acceptable forms of voter ID can be found on the BOE website at boe.ohio.gov/tuscarawas.
A list of documents that used to be acceptable but no longer are, such as Social Security cards and birth certificates, can also be found on the website.
“A 17-year-old who will turn 18 before the general election in November may vote in the primary,” Garbrandt added. “If they do not have a driver’s license, the BMV will issue them a free photo ID card to use starting April 7.”
Those who have not registered to vote have only until April 3 to do so. The BOE office will be open until 9 p.m. that day to register voters.
Additionally, Garbrandt said people should be aware not all polling locations will be open for the primary. “There are only 14 out of 40 polling locations open, and that’s because not all precincts have candidates or issue up for a vote.” She advised checking the BOE website to determine whether polls are open or before showing up at the BOE to vote early.
One polling place is being relocated for the May 2 election. The Sandy Valley Local Board Office in Magnolia will move to the Mineral City Fire Department where village residents will also vote.
Provisional ballots
According to the BOE website, those who do not havean acceptable form of identification may cast a provisional ballot. However, for the ballot to be counted, you must return to the board of elections no later than four days after May 2 to provide a qualifying form of identification
Individuals lacking a photo ID because of religious objections to being photographed may complete an affidavit of religious objection and have their provisional ballots counted.
Early voting
From Tuesday, April 4 through Friday, April 21, early voting hours at the BOE are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting dates and hours vary April 24-30 and can be found at the BOE website, along with a complete list of open polling locations.
On the ballot
Here is a quick rundown of candidates who have filed for the primary election by municipality. Registered Independent candidates running for office in November do not appear on primary ballots. Voters may also call the BOE for information at 330-343-8819.
Dennison
Mayor—Gregory L. DiDonato, DEM, Incumbent
Council— Tracie Bolitho, DEM, Incumbent and Vickie O’Hara, REP, Incumbent
Dover
The Dover mayoral position is contested on the Republican ticket, with Shane Gunnoe, mayor, running against Nicholas A. Homrighausen. Seeking the Democratic vote for mayor is Colby Byrom.
Two Republicans are also squaring off for council president, with Zachary Wallick challenging the current office holder, Justin David Perkowski. Also on the ballot are:
Auditor: Nicole L. Stoldt, DEM, Incumbent
Law director: Douglas J. O’Meara, DEM, Incumbent and Gina Space, DEM
Ward 1 council: Gregory M. Bair, DEM, Incumbent and Joshua D. Legg, REP
Ward 2 council: Kevin Korns, REP, Incumbent and Sean R. Ring, REP
Ward 3 council: Sandy Moss, DEM, Incumbent and Cody J. Jerles, REP
Ward 4 council: Robert A. Mueller, DEM, Incumbent; Nathan Johnson, REP and Marcus A. Schwarm, REP
New Philadelphia
Mayor: Joel B. Day, REP, Incumbent
Council president ‒ Donald Kemp, REP, Incumbent
Auditor: Beth Gundy, REP, Incumbent
Council at large (three positions open): J. Randy Feemster, DEM; Thomas C. Simmelink, REP; Kristofer A. Kreinbihl, REP; Michael E. Walker, REP Andrew Martin Kamban, DEM
Newcomerstown
Mayor: Patrick M. Cadle, REP, Incumbent
Uhrichsville
Mark Haney, DEM, Incumbent; Jim Zucal, DEM, Suzanne Bower, REP
Ward 1 council ‒ Matt Fox, DEM, Incumbent
Ward 2 council ‒ Terry Engstrom, DEM, Incumbent; Leigh Ann McCray, REP
Ward 3 council ‒ Harold J. Shamel II, DEM
Ward 4 council ‒ Paulette Clark, DEM
New Philadelphia Municipal Court
Nanette DeGarmo VonAllman, DEM, Incumbent
Levies
Bucks Township (township only)
Property tax renewal, 0.1 mills and increase, 0.5 mills. Final rate 1.5 mills, 5 years for fire protection.
Port Washington
Property tax renewal, 0.6 mills, 4 mills for maintaining and operating Union Cemetery.
Income tax increase, 0.5% for street paving and maintenance.
Strasburg
Property tax additional 3.7 mills, 5 years for police protection.
Warwick Township
Property tax replacement, 1 mill, 5 years for fire equipment.
Voters should refer to the sample ballots on BOE website for information on liquor options on the ballot. The BOE is located at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse. Early voters should use the North Broadway entrance.