Voters heading to the polls today will decide several key issues in the state, including a new Senator, as well as multiple issues and levies.
>>COMPLETE COVERAGE: Election 2022 from News Center 7
>>Photos: Voters head to polls for Election Day 2022
Here are some of the key races to monitor for Election Day:
U.S. Senate:
The most contested Ohio race in the 2022 Election features a battle for the vacated Senate seat from the retiring Senator Rob Portman. Contesting for the race are current U.S. House Representative Tim Ryan on the Democratic ticket, against Republican nominee JD Vance.
Previous News Center 7 coverage of this race:
>>U.S. Senate candidates talk economy, presidential visits and more with News Center 7
>>All eyes on fiery Ohio Senate race between Tim Ryan, J.D. Vance
>>Candidates in Ohio make final campaign pushes before Election Day
>> Ryan, Vance at odds on abortion, Jan 6 in Ohio Senate debate
Ohio Governor:
The race for Ohio governor features an all-Miami Valley contest, between the Republican nominee and incumbent Mike DeWine of Cedarville against Nan Whaley, the Democratic nominee and former Dayton mayor.
Previous News Center 7 coverage of this race:
>>Where the race for Ohio Governor sits as midterm elections near
>> Mike DeWine, former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley to face off in Ohio governor’s race
>>‘The most important election you’ll ever be a part of;’ Whaley says as she casts early vote
>>2022 Election: No debates for Ohio Governor between DeWine and Whaley
State Issue 1:
Two State Constitutional amendments are on the ballot in 2022, including Issue 1. State Issue 1 has to do with bail, which is money and conditions and maybe house arrest or drug testing, that people need to pay and follow to get out of jail before a trial.
If the issue passes with enough “yes” votes, it will make it easier to keep people behind bars before trial.
The proposal says judges must consider the risk to the public, the suspect’s criminal record, whether they’re a flight risk and the severity of the crimes they are accused of.
Previous News Center 7 coverage of this issue:
State Issue 2:
The second State Constitutional amendment on the ballot is State Issue 2. On Issue 2, Ohio voters will decide whether non-U.S. citizens can vote in local elections. It’s a proposed constitutional amendment.
The Ohio constitution bars non-citizens from voting in state elections, but, an Ohio Supreme Court ruling from 1917 does allow local municipalities the final say over voting rights in local elections.
If Issue 2 passes with enough “yes” votes, it would make it clear that a city’s home rule authority in Ohio does not override state law that says only adult, U.S citizens can vote.
Previous News Center 7 coverage of this issue:
>> Issue 2: Yellow Springs wants to extend voting rights to village’s noncitizen residents
Beavercreek Police Levy:
Voters in Beavercreek are being asked for the first time since 2014 to decide on a levy for police. Beavercreek City Council put this levy on the November ballot after voters in that part of Greene County rejected an income tax proposal in May.
If the levy passes, city council plans to use the money to hire more officers and help bankroll construction for a new police facility.
Previous News Center 7 coverage on this issue:
>>Beavercreek PD seeks passage of levy on Election Day
>>City of Beavercreek placing street, police levies on November ballot
Kettering Schools Levy:
One of the largest school districts in Montgomery County is going to the voters to decide on a levy that the district says is necessary to help fund the district and prevent a budget shortfall expected in 2023.
The district says cuts are projected if the levy doesn’t pass. If it passes, it would mean an increase in property taxes for people living in Kettering.
For the owner of a $100,000 home in Kettering, passage would mean an extra $209.65 in property taxes every year compared to their current property tax bill.
Previous coverage of this issue:
>>Kettering voters to vote on school levy Nov. 8
Miami Valley Fire District Levy:
Two communities in Montgomery County who receive fire and medic services from the Miami Valley Fire District will decide on a levy that would see a former fire station reopen.
If the measure passes, the fire station on Wood Road, closed as part of 2019 cost-cutting measures, would reopen. Additionally the funds created by the levy would require the hiring of more firefighters to staff the station and to upgrade aging fire equipment across the department.
The approval of the levy would also mean higher property taxes for people who live in Miamisburg and Miami Twp.
It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home in either community $385 a year.
In Miami Twp. it would mean an extra $160 a year compared to what property owners pay right now.
Previous coverage of this issue:
>>2 southern Montgomery County communities asked to pass fire levy
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