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Here's everything you need to know for the May 2 primary election

Posted at 9:38 AM, Apr 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-02 12:33:42-04

It’s not a presidential election year, but Ohio's communities still have a slew of candidates and issues to decide in Tuesday’s primary election. 

Voters in 74 of Ohio's 88 counties have a local race or issue on the ballot May 2, Secretary of State Jon Husted said.

If you're not sure about your Ohio voter registration status, you can check here. Alternatively, call your county board of elections. You won't be able to vote if you didn't register by April 3.

Want to vote absentee?

Your application to vote absentee needed to be received at your county’s board of elections by noon on Saturday, April 29. Absentee ballot were available for request online here. You'll be redirected to your county elections board website to get more information. You can also call to talk to a real human and get more information.

You can't submit an absentee ballot online in Ohio. You can track your absentee ballot online, however.

Absentee ballots needed to be postmarked no later than Monday, May 1 and be received at your board of elections by May 12 to be counted.

Voting on Election Day

Early in-person voting began April 4, and many boards of elections offered extended hours the weekend before May 2.

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 2. Find your local polling location and a sample ballot for your precinct at the website.

Voters in Hamilton County can expect to see candidates for Cincinnati's nonpartisan mayoral primary. Incumbent Mayor John Cranley is facing a challenge from Councilwoman Yvette Simpson and Rob Richardson Jr., former chairman of the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees.

Harrison will choose a city council member at large and Norwood will vote for a Ward Four council member. Hamilton County will also see ballot issues on a Westwood liquor license, charter amendments for Madeira and tax levies for Milford, Amberley Village, Mariemont, Silverton, Columbia Township, Wyoming City Schools, Northwest Local Schools and Oak Hills Local Schools.

Check your county's official list of candidates and ballot issues in the links below: