Are there any new voting rules or ballot access changes in Ohio?
Ohio did not pass any voting laws after the 2020 election, though a new provision tucked into a funding bill prohibits local officials from accepting money for election administration from nongovernmental organizations.
Will redistricting affect the congressional elections in Ohio?
Ohio’s congressional primary elections are taking place as scheduled only because of a technicality in a dispute between the commission charged with redrawing the state’s political maps and the Ohio Supreme Court. The commission has twice drawn new maps of the state’s 15 congressional districts, and both times, the court rejected them as partisan gerrymanders favoring Republicans. Even though the maps were struck down, the state’s constitution allows for the second version to be used for the primary elections because a third proposal won’t be ready until after the May 3 primary. The court could, in theory, later approve another map for use in elections in 2024. The state legislative races, on the other hand, were removed from the May 3 ballot while the court hears challenges to a fourth attempt at redrawing those districts. A new date for those elections has not been set.
What issues are dominating the campaign in Ohio?
Inflation and high gas, food and energy prices have been among the top issues concerning voters in Ohio, as in other races across the nation. But in a state where many of former President Donald J. Trump’s promises to bring back manufacturing jobs and companies failed to materialize, candidates have also spent a great deal of time trying to win over Trump loyalists and white working-class voters. In the state’s marquee race, for the Senate seat being vacated by Rob Portman, a Republican, a crowded field of high-profile Republicans has focused on crime, voter fraud and illegal immigration. The Democratic front-runner in the Senate race, Tim Ryan, has centered on creating jobs and taking on competition with China.
What can Ohio tell us about the overall story of the midterms?
All eyes are on the Republican Senate primary, which will test former President Donald J. Trump’s support among white working-class voters and his role as a kingmaker in the party. Mr. Trump has put his weight behind the author and venture capitalist J.D. Vance, who until recently has struggled to break through. — Nick Corasaniti, Michael Wines and Jazmine Ulloa
