What's on the ballot

TIFFIN — Early voting for the May election began this week. To help voters prepare, we've put together a list of issues and candidates on Seneca County ballots. Local issues Tiffin will vote on a road and bridge levy, listed on the ballot as "Proposed Replacement of Income Tax." If approved, the levy would become continuous, rather than needing to be renewed every two years. The road and bridge levy would continue to be a 0.25% income tax and become effective in Jan. 2026. The funds go towards maintaining, repairing and improving public streets and bridges as well as acquiring the equipment required for these tasks. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Fostoria residents will vote on council members for wards one, three and four, depending on where they live. Although candidates will be voted on, all candidates will move on to the general election in November. This is because Fostoria's city charter states the top two vote-getters of each ward race move on to the general election. In this primary, each ward has only two candidates. Eden Township residents will vote on a proposed replacement and increased tax levy for firefighting and EMS services. If passed, it would replace the existing 1-mill levy and increase it to 2.5-mills. The Bellevue portion of Adams, Reed and Thompson townships will vote on an income tax renewal levy for Bellevue City Schools. If approved, the 0.5% levy would be renewed for 10 more years, starting January 2027. The Arcadia portion of Loudon Township and the Arcadia and Vanlue portions of Big Springs Township will be voting on a renewal levy for the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. If passed, the 0.5-mill levy will be renewed and will continue for 5 more years, beginning in 2025. The same portions will also be voting on a renewal levy for Arcadia Local School District. If approved, the 1.5-mill levy will continue for another 4 years, commencing this year. State issue All of Ohio will vote on Issue 2. It is a proposed state constitution amendment that would fund public infrastructure capital improvements by "permitting the issuance of general obligation bonds," according to ballot language. The amendment would allocate $2.5 billion towards capital improvements over a 10-year period. According to ballot language, the funds would be limited to the improvement of roads and bridges, wastewater treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities, storm water and sanitary collection, and storage and treatment facilities. According to the secretary of state's office, Issue 2 would continue the State Capital Improvement Program, which began in 1987. Voting reminders The remaining early voting hours at the Seneca County Board of Elections are as follows. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 10–Friday, April 11, Monday, April 14–Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21–Friday, April 25 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 28 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 29 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 30–Friday, May 2 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 3 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 4 Election Day voting for the May election is 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 6.