Election Day 2022: Everything you need to know about voting in Wayne & Holmes counties
WOOSTER − Today, election season reaches its climactic end as hundreds of voters hit the polls across Wayne and Holmes counties to cast their ballots.
Dozens of races from the national to the local level, including the future of levies across the two counties, will be decided.
For the latest results, visit the Wooster Daily Record website at the-daily-record.com for complete coverage starting this evening. You'll also find full results in Thursday's print edition.
Where to vote
Polling stations open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. throughout Ohio. To find your polling location visit: www.waynecountyoh.gov/ or boe.ohio.gov/holmes/.
Ballot:General election 2022: Here's what's on the ballot in Ashland, Wayne and Holmes counties
While most polling locations remain the same, some have changed in Wayne County:
The Paint Township precinct 1 voting location has returned to the New Leaf Community Center at 16014 E. Chestnut St., Mt. Eaton.
Sugar Creek Township precinct 2 has returned to P. Graham Dunn at 630 Henry St., Dalton.
Chippewa Township precincts 4 and 5, for all village of Doylestown voters, have moved to Crossroads Community Church at 700 Gates St. in Doylestown.
One precinct changed in Holmes County:
The Washington Township precinct voting location is at Nashville Church of Christ at 13457 state Route 39 in Big Prairie just east of Nashville Elementary School.
Absentee voting
Absentee ballots that have not been mailed in can be returned to the Wayne County or Holmes County Board of Elections offices anytime today until the polls close at 7:30 p.m.
Do not take your absentee ballot to a polling location.
General election 2022: Early voting, poll volunteering up in Wayne, Ashland & Holmes
However, if you've requested an absentee ballot but instead choose to vote at your assigned polling location on Election Day, you will have to vote using a provisional ballot, which won't be counted until election officials are able to verify your eligibility to vote at that particular precinct.
Wayne County: Top county-wide issues
Among the many issues on the Wayne County ballot is a 1.1-mill renewal levy for the Wayne County Public Library coupled with a 0.2-mill increase to cover current expenses equaling 42% of the library's annual budget.
This would cost the owner of a $100,000 home nearly $40 per year and will cover climbing costs, an expanding library system and wages for more employees.
Tax levy:Here's why Wayne County Public Library is asking for a renewal levy and new money
A tax levy for the Town and Country Fire District in West Salem would increase the current 3.3-mill levy to 4 mills to fund fire and ambulance protection. This property tax would cost an estimated $140 for every $100,000 in valuation of a home.
Wooster Township voters will vote on an additional fire and emergency medical service levy of 2.75 mills, costing the owner of a $100,000 home an estimated $96 annually.
Charter:Doylestown charter to rethink the role of mayor
This is coupled with the Wooster Township 2-mill fire and EMS renewal that would cost a $100,000 homeowner an estimated $55 per year.
Voters in Doylestown are deciding the future of the village's first charter, potentially altering the role of the mayor.
Wayne County Top contested races
Nearly all Wayne County races are contested as the two parties vie for various offices.
As part of the newly drawn 7th Congressional District, Wayne County voters are deciding the race between Democrat Matthew Diemer, Republican Max Miller or write-ins Brian Kenderes and Vince Licursi.
Election 2022: Scott Wiggam, Mark Gooch square off to represent Wayne County
Incumbent Scott Wiggam, a Republican, hopes to retain his seat against Democrat Mark Gooch for the 77th State House District.
Three contested 9th District Court of Appeals races are on the ballot. Incumbent Thomas Teodosio, a Democrat, is running against Republican Scot Stevenson. Democrat Amber Crowe faces Republican Jill Flagg Lanzinger. Incumbent Republican Donna Carr is running against Erica Voorhees, a Democrat.
Republican Jonathan Hofstetter is vying to be the next county commissioner against Democrat Karla DeMali.
Holmes County: Top county-wide issues
While the majority of tax levies are renewals in Holmes County, two seek new money.
An additional 4-mill levy for Fire District No. 1 would help purchase ambulance and fire equipment. It would annually cost the owner of a $100,000 home $140.
Levy:Holmes Fire District No. 1 seeking 4 mill continuous levy to up staffing
This would cover rising capital expenses from inflation and supply chain issues while funding future personnel, said Fire Chief Kyle Yoder.
A West Holmes Local School District tax levy renewal of 2.52 mills would provide "for the emergency requirements of the school district," according to the Wayne County Board of Elections website.
This would continue to cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 about $88 per year.
Holmes County: Top contested races
Along a northern strip of Holmes County, four candidates are vying for the 7th Congressional District. Democrat Matthew Diemer is up against Republican Max Miller and two write-in candidates, Brian Kenderes and Vince Licursi.
Republican Troy Balderson, the incumbent, faces Democrat Amy Rippel-Elton for the 12th House Congressional District.
Contested election:Four candidates face off in 7th US Congressional District race
The 19th State Senate District is contested between incumbent Andrew Brenner, a Republican, and Democrat Heather Swiger.
Incumbent Darrell Kick, a Republican, is running against Annie Homstad, a write-in candidate, for the 98th State Assembly District.
The 5th District Court of Appeals has two races. One is between Republican Andrew King and Democrat Earle Wise Jr., the incumbent. The other features Democrat David Ball and Republican Craig Baldwin, the incumbent.
Other races to watch
Governor
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted face the Democrat ticket of Nan Whaley, former mayor of Dayton, and Cheryl Stephens.
Ohio Supreme Court
Democratic Justice Jennifer Brunner faces Republican Justice Sharon Kennedy for the chief justice position.
Two other Ohio Supreme Court justice spots are up for grabs. First between Republican Justice Pat Fischer and Democrat challenger Terri Jamison and Justice Pat DeWine, Republican, and Judge Marilyn Zayas, Democrat.
U.S. Senate
This race pits U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat, against Republican J.D. Vance. Write-in candidates are John Cheng, Matthew Esh, Stephen Faris and Shane Hoffman.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Everything you need to know to vote today in Wayne, Holmes counties
