ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Early voting in the Nov. 3 general election gets underway today in Ohio with several candidates and issues to consider on local ballots, in addition to the presidential race.

Early in-person voting can now be done at county elections board headquarters. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Oct. 16. From Oct. 19-23, hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 24, early in-person voting can occur from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Early voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 26-30 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Such balloting continues from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2, the day before Election Day.

Polling locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3. Absentee ballots being delivered in person must be dropped off by 7:30 p.m. that day.

In addition, anyone who requested and received a mail-in ballot can now complete and return those forms either by mail or in person at county elections offices. Nov. 13 is the last day for boards of elections to receive mail-in ballots that are postmarked on or before Nov. 2.

FEDERAL AND STATE RACES

The highest profile contest on ballots across the nation is the race for the White House. Republican incumbent President Donald Trump faces a challenge from Democrat and former Vice President Joe Biden. But many other races and issues also will be decided at the federal, state and local levels.

Also at the federal level, residents of Eastern Ohio must decide whether to return Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, to serve as their voice in Congress. The incumbent from Marietta is being challenged by Belmont-area resident Shawna Roberts, a Democrat.

Local voters also will choose two state lawmakers. In the Ohio Senate, incumbent Republican Frank Hoagland of Mingo Junction is up for re-election. His challenger is Democrat Michael Fletcher of Athens.

In the Ohio House of Representatives, three men are competing for the 96th District seat currently held by Democrat Jack Cera of Bellaire, who is term limited and cannot seek re-election. The candidates include Republican Ron Ferguson of Wintersville, Libertarian Oscar Herrera of Wintersville and Democrat Richard Olivito of Steubenville.

Closer to home, the following contests will appear on residents’ ballots:

BELMONT COUNTY

Two incumbent county commissioners must defend their seats on Election Day. Commission President J.P. Dutton, a Republican, is running against Vince Gianangeli, former head of the county Department of Job and Family Services who is running as an independent. Incumbent Republican Josh Meyer faces a challenger from former commissioner Michael Bianconi, a Democrat.

Auditor Anthony Rocchio, who was appointed to his post in July 2019 to fill a vacancy created by the death of auditor Roger Conroy, is a Democrat making his first bid for election to the office. He is being challenged by Cindi Henry, a Republican who most recently served as fiscal officer for the city of St. Clairsville.

Longtime recorder Mary Catherine Nixon opted not to seek re-election and to instead retire. Democrat Cory DelGuzzo and Republican Jason Garczyk are seeking to replace her.

HARRISON COUNTY

A countywide race for prosecutor will occur between Republican Lauren E. Knight and independent Steven Stickles. The contest follows a primary vote in which Knight defeated fellow Republican Owen Beetham, the incumbent.

Harrison County voters also are being asked to a 1-mill levy in support of the Harrison County Home. The levy would remain in effect for five years.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Two commission seats are on the line in Jefferson County. Incumbent David Maple, a Republican, faces a contest with Democrat Bob Smith, while independents Daneil Cernak, Patrick Murphy and Frank Petrola are seeking an open seat along with Democrat Edward Littlejohn and Republican Tony Morelli. The seat is up for grabs after longtime Commissioner Tom Gentile decided he will vacate the seat at the end of his term.

Seeking to become clerk of the court of common pleas are Democrat Darrin Corrigan and Republican Andrew Plesich. The seat is open due to current Clerk John Corrigan’s decision to retire. He is the father of Darrin Corrigan.

The Indian Creek Local School District will have a levy on the ballot, hoping to persuade voters to approve a 7.9-mill, five-year measure for current operating expenses. Several other levies will appear on local ballots as villages and townships seek funding for current operating expenses, for police, fire and/or emergency medical service protection as well as for parks and recreation and for construction and maintenance of roads and bridges.

Voters in the village of Adena are being asked to adopt a “Sensible Marihuana Ordinance,” which would reduce penalties for misdemeanor marijuana offenses to the lowest level allowed by state law.

MONROE COUNTY

Two seats on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners are up for grabs as well.

Incumbent Commissioner Carl Davis, a Democrat, faces Republican Diane Burkhart in the Nov. 3 election. Both candidates are lifelong residents of the county, and each said they hope to make a positive change in the community.

Meanwhile, incumbent Commissioner Tim Price, an independent, is being challenged by Republican L. William Bolon and by Democrat Ron Taylor.

One countywide issue is on the ballot as well. Officials are seeking renewal of a 0.2-mill, five-year levy in support of the Monroe Soil and Water Conservation District. Several townships and the village of Wilson also have levies on local ballots to support road maintenance and construction as well as police and fire protection.