Stark County primary election updates: Low turnout reported so far
The Repository is posting election updates throughout the day. Check back for updates.
Primary election turnout has been low as expected in Stark County.
So far, about 3% of registered voters have cast ballots today, said Regine Johnson, deputy director at the Stark County Board of Elections. She said the low turnout is not surprising.
"I imagine it has to do with the fact that the top of the ticket has been decided," she said. "Many people do not focus on the very many interesting and lively races and issues that are more local."
Johnson said no major issues have been reported.
"It's been a fairly typical day," she said.
Lake Local Schools levy motivating voters
At a polling location in Hartville, many voters were motivated by the Lake Local Schools levy.
Kyle Dureska has two young kids. He plans to send them to Lake Local when they're old enough.
"I have young kids and I have a brother with young kids in Hartville," he said outside the Hartville Church of the Brethren where he voted. "I thought it was important to make sure that they have good schools and they're equipped to be able to be successful, and we give them everything they need."
Dureska, 31, recently moved to Hartville from the Columbus area. He said the levy has other effects beyond providing for the schools.
"If it doesn't pass, it has repercussions for everyone, especially the housing market, and Lake is a growing area," he said.
Jeff Harris, 65, of Lake Township had a different opinion on the school levy.
"People on Social Security can't afford an increase on our tax, especially if they've got a fixed budget," he said.
Harris, a Democrat, said he's on Social Security and has voted against the school levy in past elections to prevent a tax increase.
Here's what key races we're looking at
Ohio voters will decide among Matt Dolan, Frank LaRose and Bernie Moreno in the GOP primary race for U.S. Senate. The winner will face incumbent Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in November.
Voters in North Canton will decide on a proposed 0.5% income tax increase, raising the rate to 2%. Officials say the increase is needed to address surging fire department costs and fund road improvements.
Four Stark County school districts — Lake, Tuslaw, Northwest and Marlington — have tax issues on the ballot. This is the third time Lake Local Schools is seeking a levy to address a more than $3 million deficit.
Check out our voter guide for more information on today's primary election.
More: Everything you need to know about the March primary in Stark County
What do I need to vote?
Ohio voters must bring an unexpired photo ID. The following are acceptable forms of ID:
Ohio driver's license
State of Ohio ID card
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
U.S. military ID
Ohio National Guard ID
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
To be accepted, IDs must be unexpired, have a picture of the voter and the voter's name. Photo IDs issued by other states are not accepted.
Voters who do not bring a valid photo ID can cast a provisional ballot.
When do polls close?
Polls will close at 7:30 p.m. today. Anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. can still cast ballots.
Where is my polling place?
Voters can cast ballots at their local precinct. Check the Stark County Board of Elections' website to find your polling place.
Registered voters can see a sample ballot for Stark County here.
Can I still return an absentee ballot?
You or a close relative can still return your absentee ballot to the Stark County Board of Elections.
Absentee ballots must be dropped off at the elections board, located at 3525 Regent Ave NE in Canton, before 7:30 p.m. today when polls close.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Primary election live coverage for Canton and Stark County
