You’ve been meaning to learn more about the local elections, but work and family and a million other things got in the way and now it’s Election Day and you feel like you’re stuck in that dream where it’s time for a final exam and you’re realizing you never went to class or picked up the text book.

Relax, we got you covered.

First, if you haven’t voted in a few years, check your registration status on the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections’ website.

Now here’s everything you wanted to know about the 2025 general election but were afraid to ask. 

When do the polls open on Election Day in Ohio?

The polls are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where is my polling place?

We’re glad you asked because changes to Cleveland’s wards for this election mean polling place changes for around 70,000 Clevelanders. All voters should check on this Board of Elections web page so you don’t end up in the wrong spot.

Confused about what ward you’re voting in? Check your new ward using your address on this page.

Candidates and their surrogates campaign outside of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections on the final day of early, in-person voting. Credit: Rachel Dissell, Signal Cleveland

What’s on the ballot in Cuyahoga County?

Cleveland and other cities across Cuyahoga County are electing mayors, city council members and judges for local courts. In some places voters will be asked to decide on a specific issue, like the proposed charter amendment in Cleveland Heights.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections’ website has sample ballots for every city.

Who’s running in Cleveland?

In Cleveland, Mayor Justin Bibb is running for re-election against challenger Laverne Gore. The links will take you to recent interviews with both candidates by Signal Cleveland’s Government Reporter Nick Castele.

Here are Signal Cleveland’s guides to the races for Cleveland City Council, Cleveland Municipal Court and Cleveland Housing Court.

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Do I need ID to vote?

Yes! The following forms of identification are acceptable in Ohio:

• Ohio driver’s license

• State of Ohio ID card

• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV

• U.S. passport or passport card

• U.S. military ID card

• Ohio National Guard ID card

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

Can I still mail in my ballot?

No. Mail-in ballots had to be postmarked by Nov. 3. You can take it to the Board of Elections’ new location, 1803 Superior Ave., Cleveland. If you’re dropping off your own ballot, you can use the drop box in the parking lot. 

If you did mail in a ballot, you can check here to see if it’s been received.

Can someone drop off my completed ballot for me?

Yes, but it should only be delivered by one of the following family members: spouse, father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, son, daughter, adopted parent, adopted child, stepparent, stepchild, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.

And that person isn’t supposed to use the drop box. They should take it inside the Board of Elections building and complete a form called a 12-P Family Member Absentee Ballot Delivery Attestation.

Voters with disabilities can have anyone (except their employer or an officer in their union) deliver their completed ballots on their behalf. But that person also has to fill out a form like a family member would.

I voted, now what?

Pat yourself on the back, wear that sticker proudly and check back Tuesday night or Wednesday morning for Signal Cleveland’s results coverage.

2025 campaign coverage

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Associate Editor (he/him)
Important stories are hiding everywhere, and my favorite part of journalism has always been the collaboration, working with colleagues to find the patterns in the information we’re constantly gathering. I don’t care whose name appears in the byline; the work is its own reward. As Batman said to Commissioner Gordon in “The Dark Knight,” “I’m whatever Gotham needs me to be.”