Mercer and Auglaize County voters prepare for November general election

Voters in Mercer and Auglaize counties will decide several statewide, congressional and local races during the November 3 general election.

The race for Ohio governor features three tickets. Democrat Amy Acton is running with David Pepper, Libertarian Don Kissick is running with James L. Mills, and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is running with Robert A. McColley.

Republican Keith Faber and Democrat John J. Kulewicz are running for attorney general. The auditor of state race includes Democrat Annette Blackwell and Republican Frank LaRose.

The secretary of state candidates are Libertarian Tom Pruss, Democrat Allison Russo and Republican Robert Sprague. Republican Jay Edwards and Democrat Seth Walsh are seeking the office of state treasurer.

Two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court are also on the ballot. Republican Daniel R. Hawkins faces Democrat Marilyn Zayas for the term beginning January 1, 2027. Democrat Jennifer Brunner faces Republican Colleen O’Donnell for the term beginning January 2, 2027.

Four candidates are seeking the remainder of the current U.S. Senate term, which ends in January 2029. The candidates are Democrat Sherrod Brown, Republican Jon Husted, Libertarian William B. Redpath and other-party candidate Greg Levy. A write-in option is also available.

In Ohio’s 4th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Jim Jordan faces Democrat Joshua D. Kolasinski and Tracey L. Tackett.

Mercer and Auglaize county voters are also included in the 84th Ohio House District. Republican incumbent Angie King is being challenged by Democrat Arienne C. Childrey.

Republican Mark C. Miller is unopposed for another term on the Ohio 3rd District Court of Appeals.

In Mercer County, Matthew L. Gilmore is unopposed for judge of the Common Pleas Court’s Probate and Juvenile Division. Republican David Buschur is unopposed for county commissioner, Republican Jeffrey S. Larmore is unopposed for county auditor and Republican Alyssa Tobe is unopposed for the remainder of the county coroner’s term.

Auglaize County’s ballot includes Zach G. Ferrall as the unopposed candidate for Common Pleas Court judge. Republican Douglas A. Spencer is unopposed for county commissioner, while Republican Linda M. Bice is unopposed for county auditor.

Republican Benjamin R. Elder is the only candidate listed for the remainder of the Auglaize County prosecuting attorney’s term. Republican Mandy Frank is unopposed for the remainder of the county treasurer’s term.

Voters across Ohio will also decide Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring voters to present an approved form of government-issued photo identification. The proposal includes provisions for voters with religious objections to being photographed and for voters casting ballots outside a polling location.

Some voters will see additional local issues. In Wapakoneta, voters will decide a proposed five-year, two-mill additional levy for city parks and recreation. The Auglaize County auditor estimates the levy would generate about $508,100 annually and cost $70 per year for each $100,000 of property value.

Ballots can differ depending on a voter’s precinct, municipality, township and school district. Voters should review their individual sample ballot through the Mercer County or Auglaize County Board of Elections before casting a ballot.