Election preview: A look at the races, issues on the ballot in May 2026

May primaries are just around the corner, and Portage County voters will see a number of familiar names in dozens of uncontested races, as well as a few contested ones. On the ballot are candidates for state representative of Ohio’s 72nd district, Portage County commissioner, Portage County Common Pleas Court judges and Portage County auditor.

Residents who are affiliated with a political party will only receive ballots listing the names of that party’s candidates. Unaffiliated voters receive an issues-only ballot. On the line are two school levies, three fire and EMS levies, a county-wide Job and Family Services of Portage County levy, a library levy, an income tax increase and a local liquor option.