22.1 Understanding Local Government Elections

Local government elections choose leaders like mayors, council members, trustees, commissioners, and school board members. These people make important decisions about our communities.

Types of Local Government Positions

• County Commissioners – They oversee county-level government activities. Remember, Cuyahoga and Summit Counties don’t have commissioners; each has a county executive and a county council.
• Mayors – They lead cities and villages.
• Council Members – They help make laws and policies for cities and villages.
• Trustees – They manage townships.
• School Board Members – They make decisions about local schools and education policies.

Partisan vs. Nonpartisan Elections

In Ohio, some local government elections are partisan, meaning that candidates run as members of political parties such as the Democrats or Republicans. For example, elections for county offices like County Commissioners, Sheriffs, Prosecutors, Treasurers, Auditors, Clerks of Courts, Recorders, Engineers, and Coroners are partisan. In these elections, voters are aware of each candidate’s party affiliation, which can influence their voting decisions.

On the other hand, many local government elections in Ohio are nonpartisan, where candidates do not run under a party label. School board elections are nonpartisan, allowing voters to focus on the candidates’ ideas and plans for the school district rather than their political party affiliation.

Cities, villages, and townships vary in their approach. Some use partisan elections, while others use nonpartisan elections. The specific approach can depend on the local government’s charter or the options afforded to them by the Ohio Revised Code.

Election Cycles and Timing

Local elections happen at different times. Some positions are elected every four years, while others might be elected every two years. The timing depends on the rules of each community.

County offices such as commissioners, sheriffs, prosecutors, treasurers, clerks of courts, auditors, recorders, engineers, and coroners are generally elected every four years. Commissioners often appear on the ballot during midterm and presidential election years, while other county offices align with gubernatorial elections.

City elections, including mayors and city council members, vary in their cycles, with mayoral elections typically occurring every four years and city council terms varying between two and four years depending on the city’s charter. Village offices, such as mayors and council members, follow similar cycles, with elections often held during off-year elections.

Township elections, which include trustees and fiscal officers, are typically held every four years during odd-numbered years.

School board members, serving primarily four-year terms, are elected during odd-numbered years, with many districts implementing staggered terms to maintain continuity.

Understanding these timelines helps voters stay informed about when they can expect various local government offices to appear on the ballot, ensuring active participation in local elections and governance.