While presidential elections often steal the spotlight, it's the local elections that directly shape our daily lives. In 2025, Clevelanders can play a pivotal role in determining the future of their city. From deciding who is in the mayor's office to choosing city council seats and school board positions, your input in regional politics matters. Here is what we know so far about this year's elections to help you stay informed, engaged, and #ElectionReady.
2025 Elections:
May 6, 2025: Primary Election
September 9, 2025: Municipal Primary Election
November 4, 2025: General Election
>>May 6th Primary Election:
During this election all Ohio voters will vote on a statewide issue (see below for more info). Some voters (especially in the suburbs) will have primary runoffs for municipal offices and vote on school levies. You can read more about the May Primary here. To see what will be on your individual ballot in your city, you can use the Sample Ballot Lookup tool from Ballotpedia here.
Key Dates:
April 7: Voter registration deadline
April 8: Early in-person absentee voting begins
April 29: Deadline to request absentee ballots by mail
May 6: Election Day (Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Ballot Measures/Issues:
Local Public Infrastructure Bond Amendment: Issue 2 proposes allowing the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds to assist local governments in funding public infrastructure improvement projects. You can see what a YES vote would mean here, and what a NO vote would mean here.
>>September 9th Municipal Primary Election
This primary will narrow down candidates for the November General Election. You will vote for which candidate you want to represent your party in local races like mayor, city council, and municipal court judges. Ahead of the election, BallotReady is a great way to preview what will be on your ballot.
Key Dates:
June 11: Filing deadline for candidates
August 11: Voter registration deadline
August 12: Early in-person voting begins
September 9: Election Day (Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Ballot Measures/Issues:
It is still too early to know if there will be any ballot measures or issues during this election.
>>November 4th General Election
During the General Election, Cleveland voters will vote for some local offices, such as the mayor, city council members, and school board members. Here is what we know so far about these races:
The Cleveland Mayoral Race
Mayoral incumbent Justin Bibb is seeking re-election. Challenging him so far is LaVerne Jones Gore, a consultant and perennial candidate.
Cleveland City Council Races
The city council consists of 15 wards, each represented by a council member. The terms for all current council members end on January 5, 2026, which means all seats will be up for re-election in 2025. Here is what we know so far:
Ward 9:Â Alana Belle is challenging incumbent Kevin Conwell.
Ward 3:Â Councilman Kerry McCormack has announced he will not seek re-election, opening a crucial seat representing downtown and the near west side.
Ward 11: Nikki Hudson is running for the open seat in this newly defined ward.
School Board Elections
Three school board member seats are up for re-election:
Charlene Jones: Serving since 2024
Midori Lebrón: Serving since 2023
Nigamanth Sridhar: Serving since 2021
Key Dates:
October 6: Voter registration deadline
October 7: Early in-person voting begins
October 28: Deadline to request absentee ballots by mail
November 4: General Election Day (Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Ballot Measures/Issues:
It is still too early to know if there will be any ballot measures or issues during this election.
Why your vote matters in local elections.
Local elections directly impact our community's future, from public safety and education to infrastructure and housing. Your participation ensures that your voice is heard in decisions that affect your daily life. Stay informed, get involved, and most importantly, exercise your right to vote. Together, we can shape the future of Cleveland.
Additional Resources
BALLOTPEDIA - The Encyclopedia of American Politics
BallotReady - Where you go before you vote.
VOTE 411 - Election Information You Need
Voter Resources Page - Cleveland VOTES
Voting and Elections - Ohio Secretary of State