Sadly, many people do not vote the Primaries. There are so many reasons why citizens should make the time to vote in these important elections.
In the Primaries, political parties select candidates for General Election. If it is a partisan office (R, D, G or I) then each party’s candidates run against each other in the general election. Also, Levies and other issues may be on primary ballots, especially if the levy/issue is unpopular. Those that are for the levy/issue will show up and vote. Those that are not aware it is on the ballot and do not vote the Primary will miss their opportunity to vote against the levy/issue. This strategy is often used to promote unpopular levies/issues.
May 5, 2026 Primary is jam packed with contested offices, meaning more than one candidate is on the ballot. This is your chance to choose who will be on the general election ballot. If the office is not contested, the candidate runs unopposed.
The Republican Primary ballot has contested offices for: Governor/Lt. Governor; Secretary of State; Treasurer of State; Justice of Ohio Supreme Court; Representative to Congress 2nd District; State Representative 62nd District; County Commissioner; County Auditor; and Member of State Central Committee, Man.
The Democrat Primary ballot contested offices are Attorney General; Secretary of State; US Senator, Representative to Congress 2nd District; County Commissioner, Member of State Central Committee, Man and Woman.
The following tax levies are on the May 5 ballot along with a full description.
Proposed Tax Levy (Renewal)
Clermont County Park District
Proposed Tax Levy (Renewal)
Clermont County Senior Services
Proposed Tax Levy (Renewal AND INCREASE)
Clermont Children’s Services
Proposed Tax Levy (ADDITIONAL)
Clermont Community Services for Disabilities.
In a previous Citizen Sentinel article, we discussed the importance of Central Committee. For the first time in many previous election cycles, there are numerous contested Central Committee Precinct seats up for election, both Republican and Democrat. This means local individuals are stepping up to challenge the entrenched establishment which has so long dominated our communities. We need fresh faces on Central Committee to endorse new candidates. This will prevent the same individuals from being elected year after year. The endorsed candidate has a huge advantage. Why bother to run if your opponent has the establishment endorsement?
We writers at Citizen Sentinels do not claim to be experts in politics, but we strive to share our knowledge with people who many not know of these things.
You can find a sample ballot for your party and district on the Board of Elections website under Voter Info.