Your Lorain County Voter Guide to the May 6th Primary Election

By the Lorain Daily

Welcome to your comprehensive Lorain County Voter Guide for the primary election on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This crucial election offers Lorain County residents a significant opportunity to influence the future of our community and state. This guide provides you with the essential information you need to understand what’s on your ballot and how to make your voice heard in this Lorain County election.

What’s on Your Ballot?

As a voter in Lorain County, you will be considering:

A Key Statewide Issue: State Issue 2, concerning funding for local infrastructure projects.
Important Local Issues: A variety of tax levies, bond measures, and local options tailored to your specific area within Lorain County.
Local Primary Races: In several municipalities across Lorain County, Democratic primary elections will determine who advances to the November General Election.

Understanding the Issues: Your Lorain County Voter Guide

Statewide Focus: State Issue 2 – Investing in Ohio’s Infrastructure

At the state level, all eyes are on State Issue 2, which proposes to renew the State Capital Improvement Program. This program has been a long-standing source of funding for vital infrastructure projects across Ohio.

The Case For “Yes”:

Proponents argue that Issue 2 is crucial for continuing the state’s investment in essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems. They highlight the program’s four-decade history of success, including projects in Northeast Ohio. By allowing the state to issue up to $250 million in bonds annually for the next decade, Issue 2 will support local governments in funding these critical improvements without raising taxes. Supporters emphasize the bipartisan nature of the issue and the local control in project selection, ultimately benefiting the safety and economic development of communities throughout Ohio, including our own Lorain County.

The Case For “No”:

Opponents express concerns about increasing state debt through the issuance of more general obligation bonds. They argue that all Ohio taxpayers will bear the responsibility of repaying these bonds, even for projects that may not directly benefit them. Critics suggest that local infrastructure should be primarily funded through local resources and that the state has repeatedly sought voter approval for similar borrowing measures. They also point out the long-term nature of the debt repayment, potentially lasting up to 30 years.

Making Your Decision: A “Yes” vote approves the bond issuance, while a “No” vote rejects it.

Local Ballot Measures: What’s Happening in Your Community

In addition to State Issue 2, your ballot will feature local issues specific to your city, township, or school district within Lorain County. These may include:

Municipal Issues:

Avon City (Issue #3): Income tax increase from 1.75% to 1.95% for Police and Fire services.
Avon Lake City (Issue #4): Renewal of a 1.5 mills levy for current expenses for 5 years.
Elyria City (Issue #5): Temporary income tax renewal of 1/2 of 1% for 5 years.
Elyria City (Issue #6-C): A local option for Sunday sales of alcohol at Basil’s Bar & Tavern LLC.
Lorain City (Issue #7-E): A local option for Sunday sales of alcohol at Lorain Brewing Co LLC.
North Ridgeville City (Issue #8): A renewal of a 1.9 mills levy for Fire services for 5 years.
North Ridgeville City (Issue #9): A renewal of a 1.95 mills levy for Police services for 5 years.
North Ridgeville City (Issue #10): A renewal of a 1.9 mills levy for Road and Bridge maintenance for 5 years.

Township Issues:

Columbia Township (Issue #11): A replacement with an increase of a 1.06 mills levy plus a 1.00 mills increase (totaling 2.06 mills) for Fire Apparatus for 5 years.
Columbia Township (Issue #12): A replacement of a 1.74 mills levy for the current expenses of the Library for 5 years.
Columbia Township (Issue #13): A local option for Sunday sales of alcohol (On-Premise Sales) at La Famiglia Winery L.L.C.
Rochester Township (Issue #14): A renewal of a 2.0 mills levy for Fire and EMS services for 5 years.
Sheffield Township (Issue #15): A renewal of a 0.5 mill levy for Ambulance services for 5 years.

School and Other Issues:

Avon Lake City School District (Issue #16): A bond issue of 2.75 mills for Construction and Improvements for 37 years.
Avon Lake City School District (Issue #17): An additional levy of 1.97 mills for Emergency Requirements for 10 years.
Clearview Local School District (Issue #18): A renewal levy of 2.52 mills for Emergency Requirements for 10 years.
Elyria City School District (Issue #19): An additional levy of 4.9 mills for Emergency Requirements for 10 years.
Vermilion Local School District (Issue #20): A bond issue of 3.91 mills for Construction for 30 years.
Wellington Community Fire District (Issue #21): A replacement with a decrease of a 2.75 mills levy minus a 0.25 mill decrease (totaling 2.5 mills) for Fire Department Purposes for 5 years.

Remember to carefully review your specific ballot for the exact wording and details of these local issues within your Lorain County community.

Who’s on the Ballot? Local Primary Races in Lorain County

In several Lorain County municipalities, Democratic primary elections will be held to determine candidates for the General Election in November. Primary elections will take place in: Amherst City, Amherst Township, Brighton Township, Camden Township/Kipton Village, Elyria City, Henrietta Township, Huntington Township, Lorain City, New Russia Township, North Ridgeville City, Oberlin City, Penfield Township, Pittsfield Township, Rochester Township, Rochester Village, Sheffield Lake City, Sheffield Township, South¹ Amherst Village, Wellington Township, and Wellington Village.

Democratic Primary Candidates Include:

Amherst City

Treasurer (Vote for not more than 1, 4-year term): Kelly Miller
Council-at-Large (Vote for not more than 3, 4-year term): David Janik, Lucas Survance (Write-In)

Elyria City

Council-at-Large (Vote for not more than 4, 2-year term): Dwayne Redding, Gina R. Rothgery, Chad Schneider, Phil Tollett, Matthew G. Van Wormer
1st Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Maggie Lieux
2nd Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Brenda Kay Davis
3rd Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Edward J. Doehne
4th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Kenny Oswald
5th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Kim Black-Brown
6th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Donna Mitchell
7th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Jack W. Cerra

Lorain City

President of Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Joel P. Arredondo
Treasurer (Vote for not more than 1, 4-year term): Terri Soto
Council-at-Large (Vote for not more than 3, 2-year term): Tony Dimacchia, Sylvia DuVall, Mitchell J. Fallis, Dennis Flores, Jacob Reed, Mary Springowski
1st Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Andy Drwal
2nd Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Rita Linda Garcia, Victoria Kempton
3rd Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Pamela M. Carter, Harry Williamson Jr.
4th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Nicholas Dimacchia (Write-In), Eileen Torres (Write-In)
5th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Sabrina Gonzalez, JoAnne Moon, Matthew Stead
6th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Angel Arroyo Jr.
7th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Jeff Bearer, Mary E. Spellacy
8th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1, 2-year term): Joshua Thornsberry
Auditor (Unexpired Term Ends 12/31/27) (Vote for not more than 1): Anita Harper

Lorain Municipal Court

Judge (Vote for not more than 1, 6-year term): Christopher P. Rewak, Mallory Santiago, Linda A. Webber
Clerk (Vote for not more than 1, 6-year term): Ted Kalo

North Ridgeville City

Council-at-Large (Vote for not more than 3, 4-year term): Timothy Campbell, Michele Esper, Susan Olsen, Paul Wolanski, Cali Zingale

Oberlin Municipal Court

Judge (Vote for not more than 1, 6-year term): Farah Lillian Emeka, Zack Simonoff

Candidates Proceeding Directly to the General Election:

Amherst City

President of Council (Vote for not more than 1): Jennifer Wasilk (Republican)
Auditor (Vote for not more than 1): Brenda Phillips (Republican)
Treasurer (Vote for not more than 1): James P. Lawrence (Republican)
Council-at-Large (Vote for not more than 3): Joseph R. Gambish (Republican), Matthew W. Nahorn (Republican), Charles S. Winiarski III (Republican)

Avon Lake City

Council-at-Large (Vote for not more than 3): David Glowe Sr., Kayla C. Goodwin, Gerald W. Phillips, Matthew Reynolds, Neil T. Rush, Geoffrey R. Smith, Malachi Witt
Board Of Municipal Utilities (Vote for not more than 2): Nick Mondello, Timothy M. Rush

Elyria City

3rd Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1): Garry Gibbs (Republican)

Lorain City

6th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1): Aaron C. Knapp (Republican)

Oberlin Municipal Court

Judge (Vote for not more than 1): Richard S. Ramsey (Republican)

Sheffield Lake City

1st Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1): Jon Paul Morrow
2nd Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1): Cynthia L. Petrucci
3rd Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1): No Valid Petition Filed
4th Ward Council (Vote for not more than 1): Romolo DeBottis, Michael McBroom

Vermilion City

Mayor (Vote for not more than 1): Jean A. Anderson, Russell Owens

Your Guide to Voting in Lorain County: Making Your Voice Heard

There are multiple ways to cast your ballot in the May 6th Primary Election in Lorain County:

1. Voting on Election Day:

Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Your assigned polling place. All precincts in Lorain County will be open for ballot questions and issues. Find your polling location on the Lorain County Board of Elections website: https://www.loraincountyboe.gov/

2. Early In-Person Absentee Voting: A Key Part of Your Lorain County Voter Guide

You can vote early in person at the Lorain County Board of Elections, located at 1985 North Ridge Rd. East, Lorain, OH 44055, during the following hours:

April 8 – April 11 (Tuesday – Friday): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
April 14 – April 18 (Monday – Friday): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
April 21 – April 25 (Monday – Friday): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
April 28 – May 2 (Monday – Friday): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 3: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday, May 4: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Monday, May 5: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Key Dates to Remember for Lorain County Voters:

Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, April 7, 2025 (Extended Hours: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM)
Mail Absentee Ballot Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (Must be received by 8:30 PM)
Last Day for Early In-Person Absentee Voting: Monday, May 5, 2025 (Closes at 4:00 PM)

3. Voting by Mail (Absentee Ballot): Another Option in Your Lorain County Voter Guide

Request Form: Download at https://www.voteloraincountyohio.gov/_files/ugd/2568d0_6b1f8acb36de402ab68790152eb17326.pdf
Return Application To: Lorain County Board of Elections, 1985 North Ridge Road East, Lorain, OH 44055
Application Deadline: Must be received by 8:30 PM on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025. Allow ample time for mail delivery.

Get More Information from Your Lorain County Board of Elections

For any questions or additional information related to voting in Lorain County, please contact the Lorain County Board of Elections:

Address: 1985 North Ridge Rd. East – Lorain, OH 44055
Phone: (440) 326-5900
Website: https://www.loraincountyboe.gov/
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Your vote matters in Lorain County! Be sure to participate in the May 6th Primary Election.