Cleveland: Here is your guide to the November 4 General Election.

Cleveland VOTES
Sep 23
4 min read

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Local elections matter.” But what does that really mean? Every election gives voters a chance to exercise their civic responsibility—to weigh in on the people and policies that directly affect their daily lives.

While politics in D.C. or Columbus may receive more attention, the impact of local elections is more real. When your mayor, your local councilperson, or your local judge make a decision, you feel it right at your doorstep.

At Cleveland VOTES we want you to feel empowered to engage with leaders, and it’s easiest to do at the local level. You can attend a ward club meeting, call your councilperson’s office, or speak during public comment at a city council meeting. You might even run into the mayor at the grocery store! These are real people who have stepped up to represent your interests and your values.

As voters, it’s our job to stay informed and hold our elected officials accountable. Good leaders show a willingness to learn and grow alongside their constituents.

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.

Dates + deadlines

Registration Deadline

Oct. 6

Early In-Person + Absentee Voting Opens

Oct. 7

Vote-by-Mail/Absentee Applications Due

Oct. 28

Last Day of Early In-Person Voting

Nov. 2

Absentee Ballots Postmark Deadline

Nov. 3

Election Day

Nov. 4

Voting Hours Schedule

October 7-24 (Weekdays)

8am - 5pm

October 27

7:30am - 7:30pm

October 28

7:30am - 8:30pm

October 29-31

7:30am - 7:30pm

November 1

8am - 4pm

November 2

1 - 5pm

November 4 (Election Day)

6:30am - 7:30pm

Mayoral Race

The mayor of Cleveland acts as a chief executive officer for the entire city. They implement policies, supervise city operations, and ensure that municipal services are effectively delivered. They work closely with city council to develop budgets, address community needs, and create strategic plans for the future. The mayor can also represent the city in various capacities, such as at state and national meetings, where they advocate for resources and support.

Candidates

Name: Justin Bibb

Party: Democrat

Experience: Bibb interned for Barack Obama in 2007. Bibb co-founded Hack Cleveland in 2014 following the death of Tamir Rice and also launched Cleveland Can’t Wait in 2009, a nonprofit focused on advancing racial equity and economic opportunity in underserved neighborhoods. Before becoming Mayor of Cleveland in 2022, Bibb worked with public officials, business leaders and community organizations across the country as the Chief Strategy Officer of Urbanova.

You can learn more about Bibb's current initiatives as mayor here.

Name: Laverne Gore

Party: Republican

Experience: Gore’s career spans public service, finance, and healthcare consulting in Northeast Ohio. A military widow and mother of two West Point graduates, she was the first African American woman appointed Federal Director of Military Recruitment under President George W. Bush. In Cleveland, she has led civic organizations advancing literacy, housing, and leadership. Today, she leads LA Gore & Associates, mentors young leaders, and remains active in politics as a former Republican nominee for Congress (2020–21).

See where Gore stands on the issues here.

City Council Races

City Council is a group of elected individuals who make decisions for your city. Council members are elected every 4 years. Each council person represents one of Cleveland’s 15 wards. After being elected, city council members are responsible for addressing the needs of their constituents. They also work with the mayor on decisions like how to spend tax dollars. NOTE: City Council races are nonpartisan.

Not sure what ward you’re in? You can look it up here.

Candidates

Ward 1

Ward 2

Ward 3

Ward 4

Ward 5

Ward 6

Ward 7

Ward 8

Stephanie Howse-Jones

Ward 9

Ward 10

Ward 11

Ward 12

Ward 13

Gilder Malone (write-in)

Ward 14

Jasmin Santana

Ward 15

Charles J. Slife

Terell Bell (write-in)

Judicial Races

During this election Clevelanders will choose judges for the Cleveland Municipal Court (CMC). The CMC is a court of law with jurisdiction limited to the city. The CMC has the ability to hear and decide specific kinds of cases, such as civil disputes and minor criminal cases. Some of the 2025 judicial candidates are running for the Cleveland Housing Court, a division of the CMC. The Housing Court has a civil component that hears cases, corporations and other entities. These cases most often involve landlord/tenant matters. NOTE: The judicial races below are nonpartisan.

Candidates

For Judge of Municipal Court
6-Year Term
- In Son J. Loving
- Heather McCollough
For Judge of Municipal Court
6-Year Term
- TJ Dow
- Khalilah Lawson
For Judge of Municipal Court
4-Year Term
- Brett Earle Horton
- Nikki McGowan
- Joseph Russo
- Christopher Woodworth
For Judge of Municipal Court [Housing Division]
6-Year Term
- W. Moná Scott
- Cheryl M. Wiltshire