Ballotpedia covered 14 local ballot measures in Ohio for voters in four cities, two counties, and one school district on two election dates.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cleveland voters approved an initiative—Issue 24—concerning police oversight.

Columbus voters rejected an initiative—Issue 7—to create several funds related to energy, allocate a total of $87 million to the funds, and allow initiative sponsors to designate recipients of certain funds to then distribute.

In 2021, Ballotpedia covered local measures that appeared on the ballot for voters within the top 100 largest cities in the U.S. and all state capitals, including those outside of the top 100 largest cities. Ballotpedia covered a selection of notable police-related and election-related measures outside of the top 100 largest cities. Ballotpedia also covered all local measures in California and all statewide ballot measures. Ballotpedia's 2021 local ballot measure coverage includes Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. Click here to see the scope of Ballotpedia local ballot measure coverage by year.

Election dates

November 2

Ohio Local; Ballot Measures
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	Local measures

Voters in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Hamilton County, and Lucas County decided 10 local ballot measures on November 2, 2021. Seven measures were approved and three were defeated.

Cuyahoga County

See also: Cuyahoga County, Ohio ballot measures

• Cleveland, Ohio, Issue 24, Community Police Commission and Police Oversight Initiative (November 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to make changes related to police oversight, discipline, and policies, including:

the creation of the Community Police Commission to—together with the Civilian Police Review Board—oversee police conduct investigations and discipline, report and advise about police-community relations, and oversee police training and recruitment;
requirements that the commission be demographically representative of the city; and
changes to membership qualifications and requirements for the Civilian Police Review Board to include attorneys with experience defending victims of police brutality, give the mayor instead of the police chief the authority to remove board members, and require the board's budget to equal at least 1% of the police department's budget.

A "no" vote opposed this charter amendment to change provisions related to police oversight and discipline, including changes to the structure of and authority over the Civilian Police Review Board and the creation of a Community Police Commission.

Franklin County

See also: Franklin County, Ohio ballot measures

• Columbus, Ohio, Issue 7, Create Energy-Related Funds and Allocate General Fund Revenue Charter Amendment Initiative (November 2021): ✖

A "yes" vote supported this initiative to create several funds related to energy, allocate a total of $87 million to the funds, and allow initiative sponsors to designate recipients of certain funds to then distribute:

Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Fund - $10 million
Clean Energy Education and Training Fund - $10 million
Minority Business Enterprise Clean Energy Development Fund - $10 million
Columbus Clean Energy Partnership Fund - $57 million - for subsidies to electricity customers

A "no" vote opposed this initiative to create several funds related to energy, allocate a total of $87 million to the funds, and allow initiative sponsors to designate recipients of certain funds to then distribute.

Hamilton County

See also: Hamilton County, Ohio ballot measures

• Cincinnati, Ohio, Issue 3, Mayor and City Council Procedures, Requirements, and Compensation Charter Amendment Initiative (November 2021): ✖

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to

require the city council to approve any lawsuits filed on behalf of the city;
establish city council compensation to be equal to the median household income ($46,260 in 2021) in the city, adjusted annually;
establish a one-year residence requirement for mayoral and city council candidates;
make it so the unelected candidate with the most votes at the last election fills city council vacancies instead of city council members designating a successor;
require the mayor to assign legislative proposals to the relevant committees within 30 days and to put proposals on the city council agenda within 30 days of them being reported out of committee;
make the mayor and city council members liable for purposeful or reckless violations of state open meeting laws; and
provide for a process for the removal of the mayor.

A "no" vote opposed this charter amendment to change city council compensation and provisions governing vacancies, requirements, and procedures for the mayor and city council.

• Hamilton County, Ohio, Issue 1, Property Tax Increase for Children Services (November 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported renewing a property tax of $0.277 per $100 in property valuation (2.77 mills) and authorizing an increase of $0.174 per $100 in property valuation (1.74 mills) for five years, amounting to a total property tax rate of $0.451 per $100 in property valuation (4.51 mills) with revenue used for children services.

A "no" vote opposed renewing a property tax of $0.277 per $100 in property valuation (2.77 mills) and authorizing an increase of $0.174 per $100 in property valuation (1.74 mills) for five years.

• Hamilton County, Ohio, Issue 29, Great Parks of Hamilton County Property Tax Levy (November 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing a property tax in the county of 0.95 mills ($0.95 per $1,000 in assessed property value) for 10 years to fund the Great Parks of Hamilton County district.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing a property tax in the county of 0.95 mills ($0.95 per $1,000 in assessed property value) for 10 years to fund the Great Parks of Hamilton County district.

Lucas County

See also: Lucas County, Ohio ballot measures

• Lucas County, Ohio, Issue 1, 9-1-1 and Public Safety Information Property Tax (November 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported renewing for five years a property tax of $0.7 per $1,000 in property valuation (0.7 mills) for 9-1-1 and public safety information services.

A "no" vote opposed renewing for five years a property tax of $0.7 per $1,000 in property valuation (0.7 mills) for 9-1-1 and public safety information services, thereby allowing the tax to expire in 2022.

• Lucas County, Ohio, Issue 2, Imagination Station Property Tax (November 2021): ✖

A "yes" vote supported enacting for five years a property tax of $0.1975 per $1,000 in property valuation (0.1975 mils) to fund Imagination Station and replacing the existing property tax of $0.17 per $1,000 in property valuation.

A "no" vote opposed enacting for five years a property tax of $0.1975 per $1,000 in property valuation (0.1975 mils) to fund Imagination Station and replacing the existing property tax of $0.17 per $1,000 in property valuation.

• Lucas County, Ohio, Issue 3, Toledo Zoological Park Property Tax (November 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported renewing a property tax for five years to fund the Toledo Zoological Park and decreasing the property tax rate from $0.75 per $1,000 in property valuation (0.75 mills) to $0.65 per $1,000 in property valuation (0.65 mills).

A "no" vote opposed renewing for five years at a decreased rate a property tax to fund the Toledo Zoological Park, thereby allowing the existing 0.75 mills tax to expire in 2022.

• Lucas County, Ohio, Issue 12, Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) Membership and Replace Property Tax with Sales Tax (November 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported including Lucas County in the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), repeal the existing TARTA property tax, and replace it with a 0.5% sales tax for 10 years with revenue for TARTA.

A "no" vote opposed this measure to include Lucas County in the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) and replace the existing TARTA property tax with a 0.5% sales tax.

• Toledo, Ohio, Issue 4, Primary Election Date Change Charter Amendment (November 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the Toledo City Charter to change the primary election date from the second Tuesday in September to the first Tuesday in May starting in 2023.

A "no" vote opposed this charter amendment to change the date of the city's primary election, thereby leaving the primary on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in September.

May 4

Voters in Cincinnati and a school district that overlaps with Columbus decided four local ballot measures on May 4, 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cincinnati voters decided two measures focused on ethics concerns for city council members, and one initiated measure to create an affordable housing fund in the city.

Franklin County

See also: Franklin County, Ohio ballot measures

• Pickerington Local School District, Ohio, Question 1, Local School Bond Issue (May 2021): ✖

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the Pickerington Local School District to issue up to $95 million in bonds with revenue going to fund

expanding, renovating and improving Central High School and North High School;
constructing, furnishing and equipping a junior high school;
acquiring, renovating, furnishing and equipping new facilities for school district purposes;
repairing, improving and maintaining existing school buildings and facilities; and

requiring an estimated property tax levy of $290 per $100,000 in assessed value each year starting in 2021, and first due in 2022.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing the Pickerington Local School District to issue up to $95 million in bonds and requiring an estimated property tax levy of $290 per $100,000 in assessed value with the first tax due in 2022.

Hamilton County

See also: Hamilton County, Ohio ballot measures

• Cincinnati, Ohio, Issue 1, Council Member Successor Designation Charter Amendment (May 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the Cincinnati city charter Article II, Section 4b, and Article IV by enacting new Section 5b to:

prohibit council members from revising their successor designation certificates after being indicted for a felony or after the filing of certain criminal charges against them;
require the City Solicitor to appoint a special prosecutor to prosecute an action under Ohio Revised Code Section 733.72 or its successor to remove a member of Council where a member of council has been indicted for a felony or a criminal complaint has been filed against a member for charges relating to official conduct.

A "no" vote opposed amending the Cincinnati city charter Article II, Section 4b, and Article IV by enacting new Section 5b, thus maintaining the existing city charter.

• Cincinnati, Ohio, Issue 2, Council Member Pre-conviction Suspension Charter Amendment (May 2021): ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the Cincinnati city charter Section 4b and enacting new Sections 4c, 4d, and 4e of Article II to:

provide for a pre-conviction suspension of council members indicted for state or federal felonies related to the council member's duties, where the council member shall be suspended from official duties but shall receive a salary during the suspension that may be recovered by the city upon the member's conviction;
provide for the removal of council members upon conviction of or guilty plea to said crime;
require ethics training for council members within 60 days of taking the oath of office;
prohibit council members from revising their successor designation certificates after being indicted for a state or federal felony related to the council member's conduct in council duties;
clarify details regarding successor designation certificates.

A "no" vote opposed amending the Cincinnati city charter Section 4b and enacting new Sections 4c, 4d, and 4e of Article II, thus maintaining the existing city charter.

• Cincinnati, Ohio, Issue 3, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Charter Amendment (May 2021): ✖

A "yes" vote supported amending the Cincinnati city charter to require a permanent $50 million annual contribution of city funds to a Cincinnati Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide for new construction, renovation of vacant property, renovation of existing units, operation costs, and direct services for housing affordable to households with certain income levels; and provide for a managing board for the affordable housing trust fund.

A "no" vote opposed amending the Cincinnati city charter to create a Cincinnati Affordable Housing Trust Fund and requiring a permanent $50 million annual contribution from the city.

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Ohio

Click "Show" to learn more about voter registration, identification requirements, and poll times in Ohio.

How to cast a vote in Ohio

Poll times

In Ohio, all polling places are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Voters who are in line at 7:30 p.m. are permitted to vote.^[1]

Registration

Check your voter registration status here.

To register to vote in Ohio, an applicant must be a United States citizen, a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old by the day of the election. Individuals who are incarcerated for a felony conviction, have been declared by a court to be incompetent for voting purposes, or have been permanently disenfranchised may not register to vote.^[2]

Applicants may register to vote online, in person, or by mail. The Ohio Voter Registration and Information Update Form is available online and can be requested by mail. In-person voter registration is available at various locations including the secretary of state and board of elections offices, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices, public libraries and high schools, and other state agencies. A full list of locations is available here.

The deadline to register to vote is 30 days before the next election. An Ohio driver’s license number, state ID card number, or the last four digits of a SSN is required in order to register to vote or update a voter registration.^[3]^[4]

Automatic registration

Ohio does not practice automatic voter registration.^[5]

Online registration

See also: Online voter registration

Ohio has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

Same-day registration

Ohio does not allow same-day voter registration.^[5]

Residency requirements

Prospective voters must be residents of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election.^[5]

Verification of citizenship

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Ohio does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual must attest that they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote. According to the state's voter registration application, "whoever commits election falsification is guilty of a felony of the fifth degree."^[6]

All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment.^[7] As of November 2024, five states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, and New Hampshire — had passed laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration. However, only two of those states' laws were in effect, in Arizona and New Hampshire. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allowed noncitizens to vote in some local elections as of November 2024. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

Verifying your registration

The Ohio Secretary of State’s Office allows residents to check their voter registration status online by visiting this website.

Voter ID requirements

Ohio requires voters to present photo identification while voting.^[8]

The following list of accepted ID was current as of April 2023. Click here for the Ohio Secretary of State page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.

“

Ohio driver's license;
State of Ohio ID card;
Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV;
A US passport;
A US passport card;
US military ID card;
Ohio National Guard ID card; or
US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

All photo IDs must have the following:

An expiration date that has not passed;
A photograph of the voter;
The voter’s name, which must substantially conform to the voter’s name as it appears in the Poll List or in the Poll Book^[9]

”

Additional elections

See also: Ohio elections, 2021

Cincinnati

November 2, 2021

Cleveland

September 14, 2021

City elections in Cleveland, Ohio (2021)

November 2, 2021

Columbus

May 4, 2021

November 2, 2021

Toledo

September 14, 2021

City elections in Toledo, Ohio (2021)

November 2, 2021

Footnotes

↑ Ohio Secretary of State, “Election Day Voting,” accessed April 12, 2023
↑ Ohio Secretary of State, “Voter Eligibility & Residency Requirements,” accessed April 12, 2023
↑ Ohio Secretary of State, “Register to Vote and Update Your Registration,” accessed April 6, 2023
↑ Democracy Docket, “Ohio Governor Signs Strict Photo ID Bill Into Law,” January 6, 2023
↑ ^5.0 ^5.1 ^5.2 NCSL, "State Profiles: Elections," accessed August 7, 2024
↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Voter Registration and Information Update Form," accessed November 2, 2024
↑ Under federal law, the national mail voter registration application (a version of which is in use in all states with voter registration systems) requires applicants to indicate that they are U.S. citizens in order to complete an application to vote in state or federal elections, but does not require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the application "may require only the minimum amount of information necessary to prevent duplicate voter registrations and permit State officials both to determine the eligibility of the applicant to vote and to administer the voting process."
↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Identification requirements," accessed Aprl 6, 2023
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[1] Ohio Secretary of State, “Election Day Voting,” accessed April 12, 2023

[OHSoS-2] Ohio Secretary of State, “Voter Eligibility & Residency Requirements,” accessed April 12, 2023

[3] Ohio Secretary of State, “Register to Vote and Update Your Registration,” accessed April 6, 2023

[4] Democracy Docket, “Ohio Governor Signs Strict Photo ID Bill Into Law,” January 6, 2023

[ncsl-5] 5.0 ^5.1 ^5.2 NCSL, "State Profiles: Elections," accessed August 7, 2024

[6] Ohio Secretary of State, "Voter Registration and Information Update Form," accessed November 2, 2024

[7] Under federal law, the national mail voter registration application (a version of which is in use in all states with voter registration systems) requires applicants to indicate that they are U.S. citizens in order to complete an application to vote in state or federal elections, but does not require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the application "may require only the minimum amount of information necessary to prevent duplicate voter registrations and permit State officials both to determine the eligibility of the applicant to vote and to administer the voting process."

[8] Ohio Secretary of State, "Identification requirements," accessed Aprl 6, 2023

[quotedisclaimer-9] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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Ohio Local Ballot Measures
2022 » « 2020

Ohio ballot measures
State measures
Local measures
2021 ballot measures
State measures
Local measures

Ohio 2021 local ballot measures

Election dates

November 2

Cuyahoga County

Franklin County

Hamilton County

Lucas County

May 4

Franklin County

Hamilton County

How to cast a vote

Poll times

Registration

Automatic registration

Online registration

Same-day registration

Residency requirements

Verification of citizenship

Verifying your registration

Voter ID requirements

Additional elections

Cincinnati

November 2, 2021

Cleveland

September 14, 2021

November 2, 2021

Columbus

May 4, 2021

November 2, 2021

Toledo

September 14, 2021

November 2, 2021

See also

Footnotes

Information about voting

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