Government & Politics

Election 2020

2020 is looking to be a pivotal year in politics. But this year's elections are about much more than the race for the White House. And the coronavirus pandemic is proving to be a complicating factor. WKSU, our colleagues at public radio stations across Ohio and the region and at NPR will bring you coverage of all the races from the national to the local level.

Most Ohio Schools, Libraries Learn Good News from Tuesday's Vote

The Statehouse News Bureau | By Karen Kasler

Published November 4, 2020 at 1:45 PM EST

Voters approved school levies for a majority of Ohio districts that sought them.

There was good news for two-thirds of the state’s public school districts that had tax levies or other money questions on Tuesday’s ballot. But there are some worries among school officials about the future.

67% of school money issues passed, including 84% of renewal school tax issues. But the overall passage rate is down from 73% a year ago, and concerning for schools facing rising pandemic-related costs.

And Jeff Chambers with the Ohio School Boards Association says there are some issues that passed within a margin that triggers an automatic recount.

“Gahanna-Jefferson City Schools is one of those. It passed by two votes this morning," Chambers said. "So the outcome of some of these levy issues is still not known."

The numbers were better for the state’s libraries. 94% of library money issues on the Ohio ballot Tuesday were approved.