Early Voting Continues
As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, November 5th, voters in Adams County are gearing up to make their voices heard. Early voting data shows that as of Sunday, 4,754 voters had already participated, either through in-person early voting or by requesting absentee ballots. Among them, 432 identified as Democrats, 2,552 as Republicans, and 1,770 as unaffiliated or Independent voters.
Locally, one of the key contests is the race for county prosecutor, where incumbent Republican Aaron Haslam faces a challenge from Democrat David Osborne. This contest has drawn attention as the only contested race on the county ballot, putting a spotlight on the candidates’ qualifications and their plans for the prosecutor’s office.
The Republican candidate Prosecutor Aaron Haslam.
The Democratic candidate for Prosecutor David Osborne Jr.
Beyond individual races, ballot issues are generating considerable debate, especially Issue 1, which has sparked a battle between Republicans and Democrats. The issue would alter the way legislative and congressional district boundaries are drawn in Ohio, with Democrats advocating for a “yes” vote and Republicans urging a “no” vote.
In addition to Issue 1, voters will weigh in on two countywide tax levies. The first proposal concerns a tax increase for Adams County Children Services, which involves replacing a 0.7 mill existing levy and adding 0.3 mill to support maintenance and operating expenses. If approved, the tax would raise an estimated $621,000 annually, costing property owners $35 per $100,000 of appraised property value for five years.
The second tax levy on the ballot seeks funding for the operation of the county’s 9-1-1 emergency system. The proposed replacement levy is set at 1.2 mills, which would generate approximately $745,000 per year, translating to $42 per $100,000 of property value for a five-year period.
As Election Day approaches, local residents are making their closing arguments through early voting, while candidates and advocates continue to rally support for their causes. With critical issues at stake, Tuesday’s results could shape the county’s future in significant ways.
