Northeast Ohio Residents Head to Polls on Election Day

CLEVELAND, Ohio — On Election Day, voters across Northeast Ohio cast their ballots for various local races, including school levies and mayoral positions. Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. and will close at 7:30 p.m. Voters in line at closing time will still be allowed to vote.

Alexandria Schall, 35, visited the Kenmore Branch Library to vote, recalling her first experiences at the polls with her mother. “If you at least try, something could be done,” Schall said. She emphasized the importance of participation, stating, “It definitely won’t matter if you don’t try.”

Lisa Vega, 44, a resident of Kenmore, highlighted her personal journey with substance abuse, now proudly sober for nine months. She voted in favor of a tax levy supporting the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board, citing social media as a key resource for understanding the issues on the ballot.

Meanwhile, Eric Eskridge, a homeowner and physical therapist, expressed his civic duty to research ballot issues. He voted at Voris Community Learning Center, stating, “I wanted to make sure I voted,” particularly due to tax impacts on his family.

Tara Hall, 50, noted the usefulness of the internet in informing her voting decisions. She used her phone to look up candidates, ensuring she would be responsible in her choices. Lloyd Williams, 54, also emphasized the necessity of participating in elections. “If you don’t, then what’s going to happen?” he asked.

In other developments, James Brasiel, 65, utilized curbside voting due to physical limitations. Ohio House Bill 458 now allows voters who cannot enter polling places to vote from their vehicles. As Brasiel cast his ballot outside David Hill Community Learning Center, he reflected on the need for change in political leadership.

An issue arose with a software glitch at polling places in Ward 1, affecting significant numbers of voters early Tuesday morning. Election officials quickly rectified the problem, using paper records to confirm identities before a software update was implemented.

Erie County also reported smooth voting operations, with the polls closing after a busy day. Clerk Karen Chillcott noted an expected increase in mail-in ballots. Voter turnout varied, with some polling places experiencing significantly higher engagement than others, reflecting seasonal weather and local interest in races.

As the day unfolds, voters are encouraged to check back for updates and potential election results, with a focus on local issues impacting their communities.