In this issue, we’re sharing some more useful info on the upcoming primaries, including a breakdown of the Secretary of State race.
Just a reminder, our next meeting is Tuesday, April 28!
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who renewed their membership this year! As a reminder, membership dues support all the Rocky River Dems activities including door hangers, signs, mailers and other “get out the vote” literature! If you haven’t done so already, click here to renew and thank you for your continued support.
Important Primary Election Information
Voting by Mail
If You (or Someone You Know) is Planning to Vote by Mail…
Plan ahead. Request your mail-in ballot early – you can request your ballot for the May 2026 PrimaryNOW. Then, mail your completed ballot at least one week prior to Election Day, May 5. After mailing, you can track your ballot. Sign up on the Board of Elections website.
Please note: A postmark is now basically irrelevant: your mail-in ballot must arrive at the Board of Elections by Election Day or it will not be counted. Mail early or use the Board of Elections Drop Box (see info below).
If you still want to ensure that your return ballot envelope receives a postmark with a date aligning with the date you mailed it, you can bring your ballot mail to the retail counter at a Postal Service retail location and request a manual postmark, which will be applied free of charge upon accepting custody of the mailpiece.
Also note: The Postal Service offers Certified Mail or Registered Mail service at its Post Office retail counters for purchase. If you purchase these services, you will get a receipt that includes tracking information.
Find U.S. Postal Service information about election mail here.
Find Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Vote-by-Mail information (including tracking your ballot) here.
Breaking Down the Primaries
Continuing Series on the Primaries – Secretary of State
The Ohio Secretary of State serves as Ohio’s chief elections official, overseeing how elections are conducted, setting voting rules, certifying results, and managing business filings and official state records. Because the office directly controls election administration, its decisions can shape everything from ballot access to how voting is carried out across the state.
The office has been held by Republicans since 2011, but there is no incumbent this year. With ongoing challenges around voting access and election security, this is an important opportunity for Democrats to win this seat.
The candidates on the primary ballot for this position are:
- Allison Russo — https://allisonrusso.com/
- Bryan Hambley — https://www.hambleyforohio.com/
There is currently no Democratic Party endorsement for this race.
Upcoming Campaign Events
Be sure to visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming Democratic events and actions.
Allison Russo Event – April 9
Judge Vodrey Fundraising Event – April 15
David Pepper Meet & Greet- April 15
David Pepper and Allison Russo – April 19
Judge Kira Krivosh Fundraiser – April 20
Other Events and Actions
May Day Protest – May 1
Stand Up Saturdays – Every Week!
Have events, issues or concerns to share with the Rocky River Dems? Submit them to our email to be included in the newsletter.
This weekend, we were energized by all the participation in No Kings rallies throughout our region, including one right here in Rocky River! Let’s keep that momentum going through this primary season!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, its time to renew your membership! Click here to renew and thank you for your continued support.
March Meeting Recap
It was a great showing at our monthly meeting this week! Special thanks goes out to our scheduled speakers, Amanda Sebroskey and Juan Delgado Urcino, the Regional Organizing Director – Cuyahoga County for the Ohio Democratic Party. Juan is gathering volunteers to help mobilize voters in the upcoming elections. If you missed the chance to sign up at the meeting on Wednesday, you can sign up using the Ohio Dems Volunteer Interest Sign Up Form and Juan will be in touch in the next few weeks.
As always, a big thank you to the many candidates who stopped in. We have seen many of these candidates multiple times, and we really appreciate their continued commitment to connecting with our group.
7th Congressional District Candidate Forum
The Congressional Candidate forum on Wednesday night was a great chance to hear from all 8 candidates, including some you may not have seen before. For a complete list of the candidates with links to their websites, check out our March 19 Newsletter. If you missed the live event on Wednesday night, the recording will be available soon on the League of Women Voters youtube channel. Thanks to the Bay Village, Rocky River, and Westlake/North Olmsted chapters of the League of Women Voters for organizing and hosting this event.
Voter Registration Deadline – April 6
Voter Registration Deadline – April 6
We’ve said it over and over again, but it is still worth repeating. If you plan on voting in the primary, check the website to make sure your registration is up to date. Thousands of people were removed from the voter rolls without their knowledge, so even if you’ve voted recently, its still worth checking. Early voting starts April 7.
Breaking Down the Primaries
Sample Ballots Now Available
Continuing our series on the Primaries, sample ballots are now available! Check out this link to download find yours.
What is a State Central Committee member and why are they on the ballot?
If you haven’t voted in a lot of primaries, there are two contests you may not be familiar with: Member of the State Central Committee (Man and Woman). Central committee members manage party operations and direct policies of the Ohio Democratic party so they are an important, behind the scenes position. For a concise breakdown of the what these roles do, here is an informative article from the League of Women Voters.
Most central committee members don’t have websites and only a few may campaign, so it can be difficult to know who to vote for. While a lot of it depends upon name recognition, if you are deciding between a few candidates think about this: a good central committee member is reliable, engaged with their neighborhood, helps register and turn out voters, supports candidates locally, and communicates effectively with everyday people.
Primary Election Deadlines
Primary elections are just around the corner! When more voters participate, the candidates are more likely to reflect the interests and concerns of the full community. These races matter, especially this year. Be sure to take part!
- April 6: Voter Registration Deadline
- April 7: Start of Early Voting
- April 28: Deadline to Request a Mail-In Ballot
- May 5: Primary Election Day
Upcoming Events
While candidate activity has certainly slowed in the last few weeks, visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming Democratic events and actions.
Allison Russo Event – April 9
Have events, issues or concerns to share with the Rocky River Dems? Submit them to our email to be included in the newsletter.
From protests to candidate forums – its going to be a busy week this week!
No Kings III – Saturday, March 28
Got your sign ready?
No Kings III is this weekend and it’s expected to be even bigger than the last two! There are gatherings happening all across our area, from downtown Cleveland to Strongsville, Avon Lake, and Parma.. For more information, check out the official NoKings site.
Rocky River is showing up too! Join your neighbors in front of – and across from – the Presidential Apartments (3410 Wooster Rd.) from 1:00–2:30 PM. Parking is available at The Mountain of the Lord Church on the west side of Wooster Road.
As we said last week, the past two protests have been organized, peaceful expressions of people’s frustrations, exactly what civic (and civil!) participation looks like.
Can’t stay for the protest? You can still be part of it! Drive by, wave, snap a few photos, and share them on social media. Every show of support helps spread the word and build momentum.
Join us for our March meeting – Tuesday, March 31
Please join your fellow Dems as we get set for the upcoming primaries! Tuesday, March 31 at the Rocky River Library to catch up on everything that happened and what’s to come in April! Doors open at 6:30pm and the meeting starts promptly at 7pm. RSVP HERE
- Location: Rocky River Public Library
- Doors open: 6:30pm
- Meeting starts: 7:00pm
Congressional Candidate Forum – April 1
Don’t miss the US House District 7 Congressional Candidate Forum, hosted by the Bay Village, Rocky River, and Westlake/North Olmsted chapters of the League of Women Voters! This event will also be livestreamed on their Youtube channel. Click here for more info or to register to attend.
- Location: Don Umerley Civic Center
- Time: 6:30pm
Primary Election Deadlines
Primary elections are just around the corner! When more voters participate, the candidates are more likely to reflect the interests and concerns of the full community. These races matter, especially this year. Be sure to take part!
- April 6: Voter Registration Deadline
- April 7: Start of Early Voting
- April 28: Deadline to Request a Mail-In Ballot
- May 5: Primary Election Day
Want to learn more? Visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming events and actions.
Have events, issues or concerns to share with the Rocky River Dems? Submit them to our email to be included in the newsletter.
Join us for our March meeting!
Its been a busy month, so please join us on Tuesday, March 31 at the Rocky River Library to catch up on everything that happened and what’s to come in April! Doors open at 6:30pm and the meeting starts promptly at 7pm. RSVP HERE
SAVE Act Moves Forward
We’ve been raising concerns about the SAVE Act for several weeks, and growing public outcry against the bill appears to be having an impact. However, continued pressure from President Trump keeps the bill moving forward. For a concise analysis of the motivations behind this bill, and potential impacts if it passes, check out (and share!) this great article from the Brennan Center for Justice.
Its important to let Senators Moreno and Husted know how you feel about this bill!
Upcoming Primaries – US District 07 Candidates
Some voters skip primaries because there are so many candidates to sort through. As an example, one of the most competitive races this year is for U.S. House District 07, currently held by Republican incumbent Max Miller. Based on the 2026 Board of Elections filing, there are currently 8 Democratic candidates for this seat, although the list on the actual ballot may be shorter.
We’ve met several of them at our monthly meetings and other local events. But to help you put names to faces and learn a bit more about them, below is a list of candidates, along with links to their websites (where available). This can be great prep for the Candidate Forum for this seat on April 1. (For more info on that event, check out the Upcoming Campaign Events below.)
John R. Butchko
No Kings Protest – Saturday, March 28
To paraphrase an idea from Dr. Martin Luther King – Protest is the voice of the unheard. If this government’s actions have you feeling unheard, check out the upcoming “No Kings” protest on March 28. The past two protests have been organized, peaceful expressions of people’s frustrations, and a chance to gather as part of a larger community.
While the main protest site is downtown Cleveland at the Free Stamp, other suburban sites are popping up all over the area including ones in Strongsville and Lakewood. Check out NoKings.Org for a location near you, and don’t forget your sign!
Don’t want to travel to attend an official protest? Join some of your fellow Rocky River residents in front of and across from the Presidential Apartments at 3410 Wooster Rd. from 1-2:30pm on Saturday, March 28. Bring your signs and your voice!!
Primary Election Deadlines
Primary elections are just around the corner! When more voters participate, the candidates are more likely to reflect the interests and concerns of the full community. These races matter, especially this year. Be sure to take part!
- April 6: Voter Registration Deadline
- April 7: Start of Early Voting
- April 28: Deadline to Request a Mail-In Ballot
- May 5: Primary Election Day
UPCOMING CAMPAIGN EVENTS
Visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming events and actions.
LWV Congressional Candidate Forum – April 1
Join the Bay Village, Rocky River and Westlake/North Olmsted chapters of the League of Women Voters at a congressional candidate forum for US House District 7 democratic candidates on the May 7 primary ballot. This event will also be livestreamed on their Youtube channel. Click here for more info or to register to attend.
Location: Don Umerley Civic Center, Rocky River
Time: 6:30pm
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIONS
No Kings III – Saturday, March 28
Get your signs ready for No Kings III, Saturday March 28 at multiple locations throughout the Cleveland area.
Have events, issues or concerns to share with the Rocky River Dems? Submit them to our email to be included in the newsletter.
.With primary voting just around the corner, it’s important that voters understand the recent changes to our voting laws and voter registration requirements. Clear information helps ensure that every eligible voter knows how to participate and make their voice heard.
In this issue, you’ll find helpful resources to ensure that everyone who wants to vote has the information they need to do so. We encourage you to share these resources widely with friends, family, and neighbors so that every eligible voter in our community has the opportunity to participate.
For some really useful information about Primary elections in general, who can vote and why they should, check out this link from the League of Women Voters website.
Confused by which district your in or who is on the ballot? The Sample Ballot page on the Board of Elections website provides a customized list once you enter some personal information. Note: sample ballots are not available yet.
Explaining the Changes
If you have friends, relatives or neighbors who always vote by mail (even ones you never talk politics with), they will appreciate this clear, easy-to-understand information from the Board of Elections about changes to the vote by mail process. Recent Election Law Updates
Primary Election Deadlines
Primary elections are just around the corner! When more voters participate, the candidates are more likely to reflect the interests and concerns of the full community. These races matter, especially this year. Be sure to take part!
- April 6: Voter Registration Deadline
- April 7: Start of Early Voting
- April 28: Deadline to Request a Mail-In Ballot
- May 5: Primary Election Day
UPCOMING CAMPAIGN EVENTS
Visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming events and actions.
Michael Eisner Night Out in CLE – March 12
This is the last chance to buy tickets and join me for a great NIGHT OUT in CLE on Thursday, March 12, anytime from 5-9 pm. Come discuss our district, enjoy delicious food & cocktails and the music of singer / songwriter Trey Taylor. Ticket sales close Monday, March 9 so please order now.
* Discounts for: Military, Educators, Government personnel, students and political organizers.
LWV Congressional Candidate Forum – April 1
Join the Bay Village, Rocky River and Westlake/North Olmsted chapters of the League of Women Voters at a congressional candidate forum for US House District 7 democratic candidates on the May 7 primary ballot.
Location: Don Umerley Civic Center, Rocky River
Time: 6:30pm
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIONS
No Kings III – Saturday, March 28
Get your signs ready for No Kings III, Saturday March 28 at multiple locations throughout the Cleveland area.
From Honesty Teams for Ohio Education
We spend so much time fighting to stop dangerous legislation, but it’s just as important to keep fighting for positive legislation.
HB 715 – A voucher bill that gives us hope!
HB 715 is a common-sense new bill that would provide Ohio parents information they need to make an informed decision about where they send their kids to school.
Among other improvements, the bill would require the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to create a system that lets Ohioans compare the performance of voucher students in a chartered nonpublic school with the performance of similar students enrolled in nearby schools. Learn more here.
TAKE ACTION: Ask Education Committee Chair Sarah Fowler Arthur to give HB 715 hearings and pass it through committee:
Phone: (614) 466-1405
Email: Rep99@OhioHouse.gov
Have events, issues or concerns to share with the Rocky River Dems? Submit them to our email to be included in the newsletter.
