Primary Election Recap
Congratulations to all the winners in the primary election and thank you to every candidate who stepped forward to run. We also extend our gratitude to all the candidates who donated their time and energy to appear before the club, speak with members, and share their earnest and sincere vision for reshaping our democracy so it continues to serve all citizens in an equitable fashion.
For a complete list of candidates in the upcoming general election, click here and filter the results for Rocky River. We will also be updating our 2026 election information page soon with the official candidate list and links to candidate information.
Looking for ways to keep the momentum going? Stay tuned for more information on volunteer opportunities and other ways to engage!
A Note About the Primary
from David Brock, Chair Cuyahoga Democrats
Cuyahoga County turnout in Tuesday’s primary exceeded expectations as well as surpassing turnout in the 2022 and 2024 primaries. We also surpassed turnout in both Franklin and Hamilton Counties. This was driven in part by an intentional, and enormous, increase in Vote-By-Mail ballots so much so that we had nearly 4 times as many people vote-by-mail as our friends in Franklin County did.
Congratulations to all the candidates who won last night. With Brian Poindexter’s victory, along with Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s, we have a genuine chance this cycle to make our entire county’s Congressional delegation Blue. Thanks to all the candidates who ran and didn’t win. And most importantly, thank you to the 800+ people who ran for our Central Committee. Serving our party requires a level of devotion and sacrifice that makes all future successes possible.
All the endorsed candidates won last night in part because of the ongoing professionalization of party operations. Thanks to Representative Chris Glassburn for his continued stewardship of our Sample Ballot program, and the hundreds who stepped up on Election Day and before, to ensure its success. A success so overwhelming it’s now being imitated all over this county.
We can get caught up on who won or lost precinct races, but working together is the only way we’re going to win this county and state in the Fall. This isn’t about Sherrod Brown or Amy Acton or Shontel Brown or any one candidate, but about all of us as Democrats operating in unison to defeat real threats to our well-being. We are not working to elect the perfect candidate, but to reclaim and build on a legacy that emphasizes equal opportunities, economic justice, and ending a system that favors the few while harming the many.
On to November and let’s win there.
David Brock
Green Team at EarthFest
Looking for a fun family activity this Saturday? Join the Rocky River Green Team at EarthFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church. This annual event is a great opportunity to enjoy the day, connect with the community, and support local groups focused on environmental sustainability.
May Meeting Scheduled
Mark your calendars for the May Rocky River Democrats meeting on Tuesday, May 26 at the Rocky River Library. With Memorial Day and the end of the school year approaching, schedules can get busy and it’s easy to miss our monthly gatherings. But in this critical election year, every meeting matters—hope to see you there!
Upcoming Campaign Events
Be sure to visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming Democratic events and actions.
Fundraiser for Nickie Antonio – June 4
- Thursday, June 4, 2026 5:30-7:30pm
- Immigrant Son Brewery
- Lakewood, OH
Get Involved – Other Events and Actions
PRIDE in the CLE – Saturday, June 6, 2026
Be part of Northeast Ohio’s biggest celebration of LGBTQ+ community, visibility, and joy.
Don’t miss your chance to get involved! MORE INFO
Stand Up Saturdays – Every Week!
The other day, someone asked me why there was someone dressed like a dinosaur on the sidewalk by Crocker Park mall. Join other people and the occasional dinosaur for Stand Up Saturdays to encourage residents to honk, wave and support democracy! On the Public sidewalks at the corner of Detroit Road and Crocker Road from 10am to noon every Saturday.
Have events, issues or concerns to share with the Rocky River Dems? Submit them to our email to be included in the newsletter.
Meeting Recap
Thanks to everyone who came out for the Rocky River Dems meeting last night! We always appreciate hearing different perspectives from candidates and their representatives. Special thanks to Alison Russo, candidate for Secretary of State, who answered questions about what the role of the Secretary of State is in government and why it is important.
We would also like to extend a big thanks to our guest speaker Nima Homani, a first-generation Iranian-American who shared insights into the long and difficult history between the United States and Iran which helped to shape where we are today. We deeply appreciate his insights as we all struggle to make sense of current events.
May 5 – Primary Election Updates
Looking for candidate guides, sample ballots and just some extra info? Check out the following resources:
- Find your official Sample Ballots boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters/Get-a-Sample-Ballot
- Check out the Rocky River Dems Candidate Guide
- See the Cuyahoga Dems endorsed candidate list
Planning on voting early? You still have have time! Early In-Person Voting at the Board of Elections is continuing through the weekend (Saturday 8am-4pm) and Sunday 1-5pm). Note: there is no early voting on Monday, May 4.
Polling places open at 6:30am on Tuesday, May 5 and remain open until 7:30pm. Not sure where your polling place is? Click here to find it.
A Note About Ballot Drop Boxes
With the recent election changes, ballots must be received at the Board of Elections by election day. If you forgot to mail yours, the ballot drop box is the next best thing. Located by the county board of elections building downtown, it is a safe and convenient way to make sure your ballot is counted.
Election Day Volunteers Needed
- The Cuyahoga Democrats are looking for volunteers to pass out sample ballots at election sites on Election Day. Shifts are usually 2-3 hours in length. In our community, the Rocky River Civic Center and the Rocky River Presbyterian locations still need volunteers. Want to get involved? Click the signup link here.
- The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is looking for volunteers at its downtown facility from 7:30-11:30pm. Follow the link for more information and to volunteer.
One Last Thought
If you are reading this, you are most likely already an engaged voter planning to participate in the May 5 primary election. But just in case you were on the fence about it (or are talking with someone who doesn’t think it is worth the effort) here is the number one reason to vote in the primary:
If you’ve ever felt that the November election was the choice between candidates that do not fully represent your beliefs, lack of participation in the primary election may be the reason why.
The reason? The candidates on the general election ballot are usually chosen by a much smaller group of voters. When primary turnout is low, those decisions reflect only a limited portion of the electorate. The more people who participate, the more likely it is that the candidates running in November reflect the group they are representing. And while this may sound obvious to someone who already participates in primary elections, it probably isn’t to everyone else.
Upcoming Campaign Events
There is a lot going on this weekend!
Be sure to visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming Democratic events and actions.
Bernie Sanders Coming to Parma
Bernie Sanders will be coming to Valley Forge High School on Friday, May 1 with special guest Brian Poindexter and Rep. Chris Deluzio. Doors open at 6pm, with the speaking program starting at 7pm. For more information and to register for the event, click here.
Meet & Greet with Dr. Amy Acton – May 2
Rally for Democracy with Nickie Antonio – May 2
Get Involved – Other Events and Actions
May Day Protest – May 1
PRIDE in the CLE – Saturday, June 6, 2026
Be part of Northeast Ohio’s biggest celebration of LGBTQ+ community, visibility, and joy.
Applications are on a rolling schedule. Don’t miss your chance to get involved! MORE INFO
Application Dates:
- March participants: Now-May 25
- Sponsorships & Ads: Now-May 1
- Volunteers: Now-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.
Join us for the next meeting – April 28
Join us for another interesting evening with the Rocky River Dems! Our currently scheduled speakers include Allison Russo, candidate for Ohio Secretary of State, and Nima Homani, an Iranian citizen currently living in the Cleveland area who will provide his unique perspective on Iran and the situation in the Middle East. Tuesday, April 28 at the Rocky River Public Library. Click here to register for the event.
Primary Election Round Up
As we near the finish line on this primary election season, here’s a few reminders and a few events.
- Tuesday, April 28 is the Absentee Ballot Request Deadline! Click here to request a vote by mail ballot and for more information.
- Early In-Person Voting at the Board of Elections is happening now through Sunday, May 3, at 5:00 pm
- Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 5 from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
Sample ballots are available online. Review your ballot before you vote! Visit boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters/Get-a-Sample-Ballot
Need help breaking down the candidates? Check out this candidate guide.
Secretary of State Candidate Forum – Saturday, April 25
Here’s your chance to meet the democratic candidates for Ohio Secretary of State. Allison Russo and Bryan Handley will appear in a forum on Saturday, April 25 at Strongsville Old Town Hall. Doors open at 6pm, forum starts at 6:30pm. This event is sponsored by the Berea, Midpark, North Royalton, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville Democratic Clubs.
Bernie Sanders Coming to Parma
Bernie Sanders will be coming to Valley Forge High School on Friday, May 1 with special guest Brian Poindexter and Rep. Chris Deluzio. Doors open at 6pm, with the speaking program starting at 7pm. For more information and to register for the event, click here.
Upcoming Campaign Events
Be sure to visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming Democratic events and actions.
Michael Eisner Voter Town Hall – April 23
Meet Dr. Bryan Hambley – April 24
Brian Poindexter Event – April 24
John Kulewicz Fundraiser – April 26
Meet & Greet with Dr. Amy Acton – May 2
Get Involved – 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.
Primary Election Guide
The new Primary Guide is now live on Rocky River Dems website! We’ve put together all sorts of useful links to general election resources, sample ballots and other great information in one easy location.
Speaking of great information, a big thanks to our friends at the Strongsville Democrats for sharing this great Candidate Resource with us. This is available as a downloadable pdf, and has the names, website links and other useful information. Download it from our website here!
Early Voting is Now Available
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections makes it convenient and easy to vote early at their beautiful new downtown location on Superior Avenue. (The parking is much better too!) If kids, school and work make it difficult for you to get to the polls on election day, consider trying in-person voting. Saturday and Sunday hours are available on May 2 and 3. For more information and directions to their downtown location, click here.
Poll Monitor Recruitment Phone Banks Training Event – Sunday, April 19.
From Juan Delgado Urcino – Our team working with the Voter Access department has organized a virtual event to have volunteers recruit past poll monitors in our communities and encourage them to join us once again as we head into our primaries across the state. No experience is needed; the volunteer group running this virtual event will train everyone who signs up and volunteers may join from home. Poll Monitor Recruitment Phone Banks!
Next Rocky River Dems meeting – April 28
Mark your calendars for the next meeting – Tuesday, April 28 at the Rocky River Public Library. Our currently scheduled speakers include Allison Russo, candidate for Ohio Secretary of State, and Nima Homani, who will be speaking on Iran and the situation in the Middle East. Click here to register for the event.
One Last Thought
Amid all of the talk about the primaries, our Republican-controlled statehouse continues to push through bills like Ohio HB 249, which passed the House in March and is moving to the Senate. This bill, with the scarily titled “Indecent Exposure Modernization Act”, essentially bans drag shows in public, with penalties ranging from a first degree misdemeanor to a fifth degree felony. For a more detailed breakdown of this bill, check out this article from the Ohio Capital Journal.
This bill is another example of the dangerous disconnect between the Republican party in Ohio and the concerns of everyday people. As the house minority leader Dani Isaccson stated, “The majority in the legislature is focused on drag shows, while Ohioans are worried about how to pay the bills.”
Upcoming Campaign Events
Be sure to visit the Cuyahoga County Democrats calendar page for a more comprehensive list of upcoming Democratic events and actions.
Judge Vodrey Reelection Campaign Party – April 15
Candidates Meet & Eat – April 18
David Pepper and Allison Russo – April 19
Judge Kira Krivosh Fundraiser – April 20
Michael Eisner Voter Town Hall – April 23
A Conversation with Dr. Bryan Hambley – April 23
John Kulewicz Fundraiser – April 26
Get Involved – 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.
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.
