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 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.