Knox County Democratic Party

Elections

May 5, 2026 Primary Election

The following candidates will be listed on Democratic Party ballots in the primary election this May. These candidates (listed alphabetically by name) met the minimum signature requirements to qualify for the May 5, 2026 primary election ballot. Click on the candidate’s name to see their website, where you can learn more.

If you want to stop by during office hours to ask questions about any of the races, we would be happy to talk with you. Our office hours are 11 am – 3pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 E Vine Street, Mount Vernon.

United States Senator
Sherrod Brown ** endorsed by Ohio Democratic Party **
Ron Kincaid

Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Amy Acton, David Pepper ** endorsed by Ohio Democratic Party **

Attorney General
Elliott Forhan
John J. Kulewicz ** endorsed by Ohio Democratic Party **

Secretary of State ** Ohio Democratic Party has not issued an endorsement on either candidate **
Bryan Hambley
Allison Russo

Auditor of State
Annette Blackwell ** endorsed by Ohio Democratic Party **

Treasurer of State
Seth Walsh ** endorsed by Ohio Democratic Party **

Justice of the Supreme Court – Full Term Commencing 01/01/2027
Marilyn Zayas ** endorsed by Ohio Democratic Party **

Justice of the Supreme Court – Full Term Commencing 01/02/2027
Jennifer Brunner ** endorsed by Ohio Democratic Party **

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Representative to the U.S. Congress, OH-12:

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State Senator (19th district)

  • Janet Wagner (unable to find website)

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State Representative (98th district – eastern Knox County)

  • Scott Grund ** endorsed by Knox County Democratic Party **

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State Representative (District 61 – western Knox County)

  • Vince McGrail (unable to find website) ** endorsed by Knox County Democratic Party **

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County Commissioner

On the Democratic Party ballot, you will note a write-in spot under County Commissioner. The only write-in that will be considered valid is Chuck Rogers, the only person who submitted the required signatures on a candidate petition. To vote for Chuck Rogers, please fill in the oval next to “Write-In” and then write the name Chuck Rogers. Chuck Rogers is endorsed by the Knox County Democratic Party.

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LEVIES (items on each ballot vary by voting precinct)

  • Mount Vernon City School District: Will vote on a 1% earned income tax levy. The levy will help fund the implementation of a master facilities plan that includes building three new elementary schools. Find out more by clicking here for details provided on the Mount Vernon School District’s website.
  • Central Ohio Joint Fire District: Will vote on a four-year, 5.5-mill renewal levy for fire and EMS services.
  • Fredericktown Community Joint Ambulance District: Will vote on a five-year, 1-mill renewal levy for ambulance and EMS services.
  • Morris Township Fire District: will vote on a three-year, 4-mill renewal levy for fire equipment and services.
  • Liberty Township; Will vote on a five-year, 4.5-mill renewal levy for fire and EMS services. The original levy was 4.4 mills with a 0.1-mill increase for a total of 4.5 mills.
  • Centerburg: Will vote on two liquor options for 23 E. Main St., the site of a future Mexican restaurant. One option is on-premises sales of spirituous liquor. The other option is Sunday sales of wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor, on- and off-premises.

Key Dates

Early In-Person Voting: Early voting began on April 7 and continues through Sunday, May 3. This option allows you to cast your ballot ahead of Election Day at the Knox County Board of Elections office at 104 East Sugar Street in Mount Vernon. The complete Early Voting schedule is available here.

Absentee Ballot Requests: If you prefer to vote by mail, please note that requests for absentee ballots are due by April 28 at 8:30 pm. However, it’s important that you get your absentee ballot as early as possible since they need to be received by the Board of Elections by 7:30 pm on May 5. This is a new requirement.

Absentee ballots cannot be accepted at your regular polling location.

Election Day: Polls will be open on May 5 from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Be sure to bring a valid form of identification with you to your Election Day polling location.

Participating in the election is an important way to make your voice heard on issues that matter to you and our community.