Local questions dominate Ohio’s Tuesday primary

(The Center Square) — Ohio voters have two days of early voting remaining for a locally focused primary election day after today.

Early in-person voting continues today, Saturday and Sunday. Polls open around the state Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday.

Throughout the state, 497 different questions are on local ballots, ranging from new school tax levies to education renewals, fire district tax questions and countless others.

There is, however, only one question statewide – whether to renew the State Capital Improvement Program levy that provides money to every county for road, bridge and infrastructure important.

The Issue 2 ballot question is a renewal rather than a new tax.

If approved it would continue the program of spending taxpayer dollars to provide loans and grants to local governments for projects involving roads and bridges, freshwater treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, storm sewer systems and solid waste disposal facilities.

The State Capital Improvement Program was created in 1987 and renewed in 1995, 2005 and 2014 by voters with bipartisan support.

In its current 10-year cycle, the program has given out $2.3 billion to 1,084 local governments for 4,490 projects. Supporters say a renewal will create 35,000 construction jobs across the state.

Renewal has received backing from chambers of commerce around the state and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, which called the program key to the state’s future.

“Modern, reliable infrastructure is critical to a strong economy,” Steve Stivers, president & CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said. “Issue 2 is an investment in Ohio’s future, creating jobs today and ensuring our businesses can thrive for years to come. This program is essential to economic development across the state.”