Polls Open Today for Primary Election, Featuring School Tax Issue and Local Races
Voters across Tuscarawas County are heading to the polls today for Ohio’s primary election, with polling locations open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuscarawas County Board of Elections Director Dave Johnson reminds voters to bring a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, U.S. passport, or military ID. He also urges patience and kindness toward poll workers.
“They’re helping us perform the election, so be patient with them,” Johnson said. “They only do this twice a year, and there’s a lot to remember.”
Polling locations and sample ballots are available on the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections website. The Board of Elections office must receive mail-in ballots by 7:30 p.m. today. Ballots can also be deposited in the drop box outside the elections office at 933 East High Avenue in New Philadelphia. Under a new state law, any ballots received after polls close will not be counted.
New Philadelphia School District Income Tax Issue
Voters in the New Philadelphia School District are deciding the fate of Issue 1, a proposed 1.5 percent income tax to help fund construction of new school buildings.
If approved, the tax would finance roughly half of the $170 million cost to build new schools on 77 acres just east of the city along State Route 39. Superintendent Amy Wentworth says passage would also unlock enough state funding to cover the remaining cost.
After three unsuccessful attempts to pass property tax levies, district leaders turned to an income tax option, citing concerns about the impact on senior citizens. Wentworth says Issue 1 represents the district’s only opportunity to purchase the former Leggett Farm property. If voters reject the issue, the land’s owners are expected to sell it to another buyer.
Tuscarawas County Auditor Republican Primary
Two candidates are competing in the Republican primary for Tuscarawas County auditor following the upcoming retirement of longtime auditor Larry Lindberg.
Candidates on the GOP ballot are Lisa Contini and Brett Hillyer.
Contini highlights her 17 years of experience auditing municipalities, along with her work as fiscal officer at the county child support agency. She currently serves as chief deputy auditor and says her professional network and training have prepared her for the role.
Hillyer, an attorney and former state lawmaker, points to his background in real estate law and technology. He argues greater transparency is needed, saying taxpayers lack timely online access to county financial records.
The Republican primary winner will face Democrat Joe Rinehart in the November general election.
Democratic Primary for Ohio House, 51st District
Democrats are selecting a nominee who will challenge Republican incumbent Jodi Salvo in the 51st District Ohio House race this fall.
Candidates Amanda Fontana and Angie Hall are competing in Today’s primary.
Fontana, a New Philadelphia School Board member, says her working-class background and experience raising a child with disabilities motivate her focus on affordability issues, including property taxes, healthcare, and education.
Hall, a Brewster resident and mother of six, says she decided to run after the passage of the state’s 2025 budget. She cites concerns about funding cuts to infrastructure, schools, first responders, housing, and healthcare.
Both candidates oppose eliminating property taxes outright but support measures aimed at reducing the burden on working families. The winner will advance to the November ballot against Salvo, who is unopposed in the primary.
Local Levy Issues on Today’s Ballot
Voters in Dover and Dover Township are being asked to renew the Dover Public Library’s one-mill, five-year operating levy. Library Director Jim Gill says the levy generates about $369,000 annually—roughly 28 percent of the library’s operating budget. He emphasizes the renewal would not increase taxes and would cost about $2 per month for a $100,000 home. Without renewal, library officials warn of potential cuts beginning in 2027.
In the Village of Tuscarawas, a 2.4-mill levy for current expenses is back on the ballot because of a filing error last year. Mayor Dana Moore says the levy appears as an additional tax rather than a renewal and would generate about $59,000 annually—approximately $84 per year for a $100,000 home. Because of the mistake, the village is not collecting the tax this year. If approved, the five-year levy would take effect in 2027.
Meanwhile, voters in the Village of Newcomerstown are deciding on a 10-year renewal of the village income tax. Mayor Pat Cadle says the tax brings in about $400,000 annually to support roads, alleys, curb repairs, and other infrastructure projects. Cadle notes the measure is an income tax, not a property tax, and has been approved multiple times in the past.