To the Editors:

The upcoming May 5, 2026 primary election is important, and the early voting period has begun. For every election, the League of Women Voters of Lorain County provides a nonpartisan voter information guide about ballot issues and candidates. In March, LWVLoCo and Ohio’s statewide League of Women Voters sent questions to all candidates for legislative, executive, and judicial office. Our interactive online guide, vote411.org, publishes the unedited answers from all responding candidates, as well as the text of ballot issues affecting countywide and local levies and referendums. More formats and information can be found at LWVLoCo’s website, my.lwv.org/ohio/lorain-county.

With a “party” ballot (e.g., Democratic, Libertarian, or Republican) you elect representatives to your party’s state committee, nominate party primary candidates for congressional, state and local elections in November 2026. “Party” ballots also include nonpartisan levies and issues at the municipality, township, and county levels, as well as local school, library, road, and ambulance districts. With an “issues only” ballot, no party candidates appear, and you vote only for the levies and issues. 

LWVLoCo urges everyone to check your voter registration status at the Lorain County Board of Elections website, https://www.voteloraincountyohio.gov/, and make a plan to vote on or before May 5. 

Registered student voters should consult https://www.oberlin.edu/dean-of-students/oc-votes/ for detailed information.

— Brandon County, Voter Services Committee Chair

Susan Bruening, President