At Cleveland VOTES we like to say there is no such thing as an "off year." See what the CV team has to say about the ups and downs of democracy that occurred in 2025. We hope it gets you pumped for 2026, too. Erika Anthony Executive Director What was your favorite democracy moment of 2025? My favorite democracy moment of the year is witnessing the Cleveland VOTES team, along with our partners and community members, continue to show up despite the many challenges we faced this

We recently chatted with Jessica Dickinson, the Outreach and Engagement Manager for the Ohio Fair Courts Alliance. In our latest blog post, Jessica provides practical ways for voters to research judicial candidates and emphasized the critical role judges play in making life-altering decisions, encouraging public engagement in the electoral process.

Democracy isn’t something that just happens. It’s something we do. So let’s do it—together. Your vote is the power behind your voice. Let it be heard. Use this Voter Guide to get informed, get ready for the November 4th General Election, and take part in shaping the future of our community.

There is so much to look forward to this fall. Warm baked goods, sweaters, and lots of great free (and family-friendly) events from Cleveland VOTES. Like your favorite football team, we've got a great lineup. Read our latest blog post to see what you can expect from us this election season. As always, we're centering #JoyInDemocracy.

Each year, Independence Day prompts celebration across the country—parades, cookouts, fireworks, and a collective pause to honor freedom. But what does that freedom really mean? In this blog post, our team shares personal reflections on what Independence Day means to them—stories rooted in lived experience, civic engagement, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

On May 13, Cleveland VOTES teamed up with Signal Cleveland to host Elections Unfiltered: Promises, Power+ Politics, a special "unfiltered" community conversation event. We provided the participants with a safe space to talk about the issues that are important to them and their priorities for the 2025 elections.

On April 10, Rank the Vote Ohio announced the launch of a campaign to bring ranked choice voting (RCV) to the city of Lakewood. Cleveland VOTES sat down with Christopher Bindel, the person behind the new Rank the Vote Lakewood campaign. Christopher is a lifelong Lakewood resident and local politics enthusiast. Keep reading to learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved. We also explain the basics of RCV in case you aren't familiar with the term.

After nearly a century without it, public comment has been back at Cleveland City Council since 2021. Public comment allows Clevelanders to elevate the issues that are important to them and their communities—however, advocates say the fight for full civic access isn’t over.

Two Cleveland VOTES teammates discuss the Equitable Civic Engagement Fund and the benefits of applying.

Local elections directly shape our daily lives--in 2025, Clevelanders can play a pivotal role in determining the future of their city.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Cleveland VOTES team is honoring local Black community members that truly LOVE democracy.

Our government’s recent behavior is probably making you want to disengage. We encourage you to do the opposite.  Here is how.

See how the CV team is pledging to continue to work for a equitable democracy in 2025!

Cuyahoga County voters will decide on raising the cigarette tax to support local arts. Here's what you need to know before voting.

Cleveland VOTES advisory board member Donté Gibbs makes the case for why your workplace should give people time off to vote.

Here's a guide that covers the 2024 proposed tax levy and bond issuance for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD).

Learn how many people in the U.S. are facing housing instability and how their participation in elections is impacted.

This blog post gives voters with disabilities the tools they need to have a successful experience at the polls this election season.

Cleveland VOTES honors some of our favorite Black-led nonprofits that we believe embody the Juneteenth ideals of equality and freedom.

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection (EP) coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote.