OHIO VALLEY — November 3, 2026 — Election Day is underway across Ohio and West Virginia as voters head to the polls to decide several closely watched statewide races, county leadership positions and local tax levies that could impact communities throughout the region.
From Ohio’s race for governor to county commission contests and school funding proposals, voters have several important decisions to make before polls close Tuesday evening.
One of Ohio’s most closely watched contests is the race for governor between Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Dr. Amy Acton. The two candidates are competing to succeed Gov. Mike DeWine.
Ohio voters are also choosing a U.S. senator, with Republican Jon Husted facing Democrat Sherrod Brown.
While statewide races are attracting significant attention, several local contests could have a direct impact on Ohio Valley communities.
In Belmont County, Republican Dominic DeFelice and Democrat Franklin Shaffer Jr. are competing for the county commission seat currently held by retiring Commissioner Jerry Echemann.
Across the Ohio River in Marshall County, West Virginia, voters will choose between Republican Jim Kudlak, a retired police chief, and Democrat Leigh Ann Scherich, a bank executive, for an open county commission seat.
Marshall County residents will also vote on a school levy that could affect funding for local education.
In West Virginia’s First Senate District, Republican incumbent Laura Wakim Chapman is seeking another term against Democratic challenger Shawn Fluharty.
Several school districts and counties are also asking voters to weigh in on funding measures.
In Jefferson County, Ohio, voters in the Edison Local School District will consider a school levy. A separate school levy is on the ballot for residents of the East Palestine school district in Columbiana County.
Emergency services funding is another issue before voters, with 911 levies appearing on ballots in Jefferson and Guernsey counties.
These local ballot measures could influence how schools and emergency communication services are funded in the coming years.
Polls in both Ohio and West Virginia close at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Anyone already waiting in line when the polls close will still be allowed to vote.
Residents who are unsure of their assigned polling location can contact their county election office for assistance.
As ballots are counted Tuesday evening, attention will turn to the results of both statewide contests and local races that will help shape the future of Ohio Valley communities.
For continuing Election Day coverage and local election updates, visit RiverNews.org.
