Shares Key Information for 2025 Election Cycle
COLUMBUS—The November 2024 general election resulted in several extremely close votes, resulting in either a tie or were decided by three votes or fewer. In total, 23 local races triggered automatic recounts. Ahead of the 2025 election cycle, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose reminds voters that every single vote matters. This year is no exception as we routinely see several tied or very close races every year throughout Ohio.
“Never let anyone tell you a single vote doesn't matter, which is why we continue to make sure it is both easy to vote and hard to cheat in the Buckeye State,” said Secretary LaRose. “While the focus is often on the top of the ticket, local elections can have a big impact in communities across Ohio. By doing our part to protect the vote, we are also protecting your voice to ensure the outcome accurately reflects the will of the community.”
Of the 23 local races that resulted in an automatic recount, three issues ended in a tie vote, three contests were determined by three votes, and three contests came down to a single vote.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
County Name | Race or Issue Vote Difference |
Ashland | Hillsdale Local Schools 1.4 mill Yes: 1,875No: 1,872 |
Darke | Issue 4 - Village of Arcanum Property Tax Levy For the Levy: 665Against the Levy: 668 |
Jefferson | Dillonvale Renewal Tax Levy 4 Mills Cur Exp For the Levy: 113Against the Levy: 112 |
Licking | Village of Hanover - Property Tax For the Levy: 376Against the Levy: 379 |
Marion | First Consolidated Fire District Yes: 1,259No: 1,258 |
Muskingum | Village of Norwich Renewal Levy For the Levy: 23Against the Levy: 23 |
Shelby | Clinton Township Fire Levy For the Levy: 229Against the Levy: 229 |
Summit | Springfield Local School District - Emergency Requirements 2.79 Mills Yes: 4,470No: 4,470 |
Washington | Sunday liquor sales Yes: 157No: 156 |
“Local elections which occur in odd-numbered years like 2025 can come down to notoriously slim margins, so it is more important than ever to ensure you are registered to vote and prepared to participate in our democracy in the New Year,” added LaRose.
For those seeking to run for office next year, the Ohio Secretary of State’s office recently released the 2025 Candidate Requirement Guide to assist potential candidates in navigating the process and getting their names on the ballot. Voters and candidates alike are also encouraged to review the 2025 Elections Calendar and take note of the key dates, including for the fast-approaching primary election on May 6, 2025.
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