- The Supreme Court of Ohio has seven justices and serves as the final authority on the Ohio Constitution and Ohio law.
- The Court must accept appeals of cases that originated in the courts of appeals; cases involving the death penalty; cases involving questions arising under the U.S. Constitution or the Ohio Constitution; and cases in which there have been conflicting opinions from two or more courts of appeals.
- Decisions are made collectively by majority vote, and a justice writes the majority opinion.
- The justices elect a chief justice who serves as the administrative head of the state's court system, serving a six-year term.
- Justices are elected at large by the voters of Ohio for six-year terms across districts. Vacancies can be filled by the governor's appointment, with staggered elections ensuring that only some justices are elected each year.
- The chief justice earns $174,700 per year and associate justices $164,000 per year.

One of seven justices who serves on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Ohio

2024 Ohio General Election

Public Health

Criminal Justice

Public Safety

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Ethics & Conduct

Legal Experience

State Supreme Court Justice

- The President is the leader of the federal Executive Branch. They are primarily responsible for implementing and enforcing laws written by Congress.
- The President influences the national laws and regulations by proposing legislation and winning support from members of Congress. They can also veto legislation that was approved by Congress, which can only then be overridden by a two-thirds vote.
- The President can pass executive orders without the approval of Congress. Examples of historic executive orders include Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves, and Franklin Roosevelt's establishment of internment camps during World War II.
- The President is the Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Only Congress can declare war, but the President plays a key role in deciding when and where to deploy troops, even when war hasn't been declared. The President also has sole nuclear launch authority.
- The President appoints and manages the Vice President and their Cabinet, which includes the heads of 15 executive departments that impact a wide range of issues, including agriculture, education, housing, and transportation.
- Outside of their official powers, the President can act as a leader to the American public, as seen in moments of crisis, like Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats during the Great Depression. Additionally, their advocacy for certain policies or social issues can shape public opinion and create action, similar to how President John F. Kennedy galvanized the nation around the space race in the 1960s.

Education

Healthcare

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Environment

Economy

Voting & Elections

United States of America

US President

- The US Senator is a member of the United States Senate, the upper house of the United States Congress. There are a total of 100 US Senators. Ohio, like every other US state, has two senators. 
- US Senators have a great deal of power when it comes to bringing the concerns of their state to the national arena. US Senators can author, sponsor, amend, debate and vote on bills which may become national law. 
- US Senators have an important role in deciding who runs the federal government. They hold confirmation hearings for most presidential appointees, including new Supreme Court Justices and Presidential Cabinet Members.
- Senators can be appointed to committees which focus on particular issues. Examples include the Appropriations Committee, which handles budget planning, or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is a diplomatic body that welcomes foreign delegations.
- Senators are elected to six-year terms in statewide elections. US Senators are paid a salary of $174,000/year.

One of two federal lawmakers representing Ohio in the US Senate.

Economic Growth

Energy & the Environment

US Senator

- County commissioners are in charge of county renewal projects and maintaining the streets, roads, and public utilities. These projects try to improve the quality of life in the county, like increasing access to food or award grants to bring jobs. 
- County commissioners control budgeting and appropriations in the county. This means that county commissioners control what organizations and individuals receive the money from the county budget. 
- County commissioners have authority over government taxing and purchasing, and they hold the titles to all of the county property. 
- County commissioners in Ohio are typically elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Depending on your county, you may vote for the seat in your County Commission District, or all of them at-large. 

Member of the governing body for the county, has authority over taxing, budgeting, county property, and public services like utilities. 

Vinton

Public Transportation

Taxes

Transportation & Infrastructure

Housing & Urban Development

Public Services

County Commission Member

- The Court of Common Pleas handles criminal felony cases and civil cases where more than $5,000 is at stake.
- The courts are divided into four divisions: general, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile. Each specializes in different types of cases, such as civil and criminal trials, divorces and child custody matters, inheritances and adoptions, and juvenile offenses.
- Ohio has a court of common pleas in each of its 88 counties.
- Common pleas judges are elected to six-year terms in nonpartisan elections.
- Common pleas judges earn $163,792 annually.

Serves as a judge on Ohio’s primary trial court. 

County Common Pleas Judge

- County Prosecutors are attorneys that handle criminal and civil legal action for the people in their county. The County Prosecutor can choose the cases they want to take.
- County Prosecutors can also represent the state if the state is being sued. 
- They also have the discretion of whether or not to bring charges against arrested people, whether or not to seek jail time, or whether or not to send individuals to pre-trial diversion programs. 
- The County Prosecutor advises cities, townships, boards, departments, and county officials on legal matters. 
- County Prosecutors are elected to terms of 4 years. There are no term limits for this office. 

Consumer Protection

County Prosecutor

Administration

County Clerk of Courts 

- The County Sheriff has complete police jurisdiction over all municipalities, and provides full police protection to the unincorporated areas of the county.
- The County Sheriff is responsible for enforcing the laws of Ohio and the United States. 
- County Sheriffs are responsible for operating and maintaining the county jail. 
- The County Sheriff aids the Common Pleas Court with security during trials, issues warrants, and serves court orders. 
- County Sheriffs are elected to 4 year terms. 

2024 Ohio candidates

Ohio State Supreme Court Justice

2 candidates

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Ohio State Supreme Court Justice

2 candidates

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US President

4 candidates

Ohio US Senator

3 candidates

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Vinton County Commission Member

2 candidates

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Vinton County Commission Member

2 candidates

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Vinton County Common Pleas Judge

2 candidates

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Vinton County Prosecutor

1 candidate

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Vinton County Clerk of Courts

1 candidate

Vinton County Sheriff

1 candidate

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