Our previous blog post served as a guide to the March Primary for the entire state of Ohio. This post focuses specifically on the what Cuyahoga County voters will see on their ballots.
Election Overview
The 2024 Ohio Primary Election will take place on March 19th, 2024. During primary elections, voters choose which candidate of one political party will be that party’s official candidate in the November General Election. Therefore, a primary election does not elect a candidate into office, but rather determines if they will move on to the general election, where voters of any political affiliation will be able to vote for them.
Times and Locations
In this primary, polls will be open from 6:30am to 7:30pm. The deadline to register for this primary election is February 20th. Shortly following the registration deadline, early voting begins on February 21st, as well as absentee voting. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the board of elections by March 12th.
To find specific information in your specific City, Ward, and Precinct (such as sample ballots), your declared affiliation, or your polling location, visit The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Voter Page or use Ballotpedia’s Sample Ballot Lookup Tool.
For more information regarding registration, absentee voting, and guidelines visit the 2024 March Primary Election page by the Country Board of Elections or check out Cleveland VOTES’ 2024 Ohio Primary Election Guide.
Cuyahoga County Ballot
The following candidates are running for national and statewide races that will be on the March 19th, 2024 ballot in the Cuyahoga County Primary Election. In instances where you only see one candidate listed, that candidate is running that race uncontested.
National
Presidential:
Democratic Candidates
Protect social security and Medicare
Restoring tax rate for wealthiest Americans
Investment in infrastructure
Social and environmental responsibility
Opposes Republicans’ tax plan in 2017
Investing in social and environmental responsibility
Republican Candidates
Supports tax cuts for wealthiest Americans
Opposes canceling student debt
Supports continuing funds for War in Ukraine
As former President lowered tax rate for wealthiest Americans
Framed campaign to return to “America First” agenda
US Senate:
Democratic Candidates
Protect social security and Medicare
Restoring tax rate for wealthiest Americans
Investment in infrastructure
Social and environmental responsibility
Republican Candidates
Border and immigration control
Strong backing of law enforcement
Protecting the second amendment
Against abortion rights
Law enforcement and military protection
Border and immigration control
Against the housing equity programs proposed by Biden
Endorsed by former President Donald Trump
Cutting government spending
Bans on abortions
Ending “cancel culture” in America
State
Ohio Supreme Court (Full term beginning 1/1/2025):
Democratic Candidates
Legal background
Dedication to fair legal processes, improving conditions for those with mental health conditions
Goal of improving post-conviction processes
Republican Candidates
Previously a felony prosecutor
Tough on crime and with granting plea deals
Ohio Supreme Court (Full term beginning 1/2/2025):
Democratic Candidates
Previous administrator for health care management
Worked in community service
First Black woman elected to the Ohio Supreme Court
Republican Candidates
Appointed by Mike DeWine in 2023
Formed units focused on protecting women and children from crimes
Ohio Supreme Court (Unexpired Term Ending 12/31/2026):
Democratic Candidates
Former business lawyer
Served on Boards of the Centers for Families and Children and Circle Health for over a decade
Former judicial experience
Former private practitioner standing behind families in crisis
Striving for equal justice under the law for all Ohioans
Republican Candidates
Former municipal court judge
Former director of the Special Victims Unit preventing crimes against women and children like trafficking, etc.
County
The following candidates are running for county-wide races that will be on the March 19th, 2024 ballot in the Cuyahoga County Primary Election. In instances where you only see one candidate listed, that candidate is running that race uncontested.
County Prosecutor
Democratic Candidates
Supports equitable justice for all, not only those who can afford the best-connected lawyers
Former public defender
Supports breaking cycles of trauma and supporting rehabilitation
Prosecutor with a zero tolerance policy towards violent crime
Advocate for behavioral health services outside of the criminal justice system
Believes in second chance programs
Republican Candidates
Attorney and board member with St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation
Client-focused criminal defense
Strives for increased empowerment and development
County Council
[You can find the full list of candidates here.]
County Court of Common Pleas
[You can find the full list of candidates here.]
Other issues on the March 19 Cuyahoga County ballot
Health and Human Services Levy
This Levy was voted to be put on the March 2024 Primary Election ballot, and would renew a 4.8 million dollar tax levy for Health and Human Services.
If approved, funds from the tax levy will supplement general fund appropriations for Health and Human Services for the following 8 years.
Because this Levy would be a renewal, it would be extended for 8 years, and would not increase current taxes.
All Cuyahoga County residents can check their individual registration status and find their local polling locations on the County Board of Elections website. Or you can visit Cleveland VOTES' Voter Activation Page.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources