Democracy Watch

By
Kyle Alison Cubbon and TCP Staff
-
american flag
Make your voice heard.

The Toledo City Paper depends on readers like you! Become a friend today. See membership options

There are many changes with the new Presidential administration. Mass layoffs and terminations, a changed world view, decreased or eliminated funding for decades old programs, round-ups of immigrants and more.  Some citizens are pleased with these changes, while others are disappointed or angry.  The current situation has given rise to a number of questions, seeking answers and clarification. So, how can a citizen in our representative democracy convey their views to the individuals that we elected?

Vote

Ohio Secretary of State Shares Key Dates for 2026 Primary Election

Key Dates Announced for Ohio’s 2026 Primary Election

The Ohio Secretary of State is reminding voters and community organizations to help share accurate election information ahead of the 2026 Ohio Primary Election. A new communications toolkit highlights important deadlines and resources to ensure voters are prepared.

Key dates include Friday, March 20, when military and overseas absentee voting begins; Sunday, April 6, the voter registration deadline; and Monday, April 7, the start of early in-person voting. Early voting continues through Sunday, May 3, ahead of Primary Election Day on Tuesday, May 5, when polls will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Absentee ballots must be received by county boards of elections by 7:30 pm on Election Day to be counted.

Lucas County Needs Poll Workers for May Primary

The Lucas County Board of Elections is seeking additional poll workers ahead of Ohio’s primary election on Tuesday, May 5. Officials hope to recruit about 840 workers to staff polling locations across the county but are currently about 70 percent staffed. Residents interested in serving can apply through the board’s website before early voting begins Monday, April 7. Those interested in serving can learn more and apply through the Lucas County Board of Elections website.

Take Action

Support Sylvania City Council Ordinance 37-2026

Ordinance 37-2026, known as the Sylvania Resource Conservation and Equal Access Ordinance, would limit the use of City of Sylvania resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. The proposal does not prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from carrying out its federal responsibilities. Instead, it clarifies that local tax dollars, personnel, and city facilities will not be used to assist in federal immigration enforcement unless required by law or supported by a judicial warrant.

The ordinance outlines that city employees, including the Sylvania Police Division, would not honor ICE civil detainers that are not backed by a court-issued warrant. It also ensures that access to city services, benefits, and protections is not conditioned on immigration status. Supporters say this approach strengthens trust between residents and local government, encourages crime reporting, and keeps city resources focused on local priorities.

The measure is framed as a way to preserve public safety, protect municipal resources, and promote equal access to services for all who live, work, and travel in Sylvania.

Residents who support Ordinance 37-2026 are encouraged to sign the petition and share their feedback with City Council.

Next No Kings Day Protest Announced

Organizers have announced that the next No Kings Day protest is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, with coordinated demonstrations expected in multiple cities nationwide.

In Northwest Ohio, local advocates anticipate gatherings in and around Toledo, where previous events have drawn residents calling for government accountability, immigrant rights protections, and limits on federal overreach. Event details — including exact times and locations — are typically released closer to the date by local organizing groups.

No Kings Day protests are part of a broader grassroots movement focused on civic engagement and policy advocacy. Community members interested in attending are encouraged to watch local event pages and social media channels for updated information as March 28 approaches.

Locations:

  • Promenade Park (400 Water St.)

  • Monroe Street (between Secor Rd. and around the 4900 block)

Advocacy

Looking to get involved in advocacy at the national, state, or local level? These organizations offer resources, action alerts, volunteer opportunities and ways to stay engaged on issues ranging from church–state separation and secular values to education policy, civil rights, and community organizing.

National organizations

Ohio-focused advocacy

Local Toledo-area groups

Educate

Ballotpedia: Ohio’s 9th Congressional District Election

Ballotpedia’s page on Ohio’s 9th Congressional District election offers a clear, reliable snapshot of the 2026 race — including candidate lists, election dates, and district history. The page currently highlights Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur and several Republican challengers, along with key deadlines like the Feb. 4 filing date and May 5 primary.

Beyond names and dates, Ballotpedia provides context on past elections, redistricting changes, and voter trends, helping users understand what’s at stake in this closely watched district. Continuously updated as the race develops, the site is a valuable, nonpartisan resource for voters, journalists, and researchers alike.

Visit: ballotpedia.org/Ohio’s_9th_Congressional_District_election,_2026

Protest

Generally, local protests are planned and occur quickly so the best way to learn about them is online. Various member-only Facebook groups facilitate local protests and inform about national events. For more up-to-date information, check websites, Facebook pages, Instagram, Reddit, etc. Consider joining some of these local groups, working to make their voices heard: 50501, Toledo Troublemakers, Red, Wine and Blue, Michigan Women for Democracy, Toledo Persists, Mockingjay Movement, Moms for Social Justice, Working Families Party Ohio and League of Women Voters of Toledo Lucas County.

The American Civil Liberties Union provides guidance for safe and legal protesting.

Ohio Democrat Caucuses 

The Ohio Democratic Party’s Caucuses are volunteer-led, statewide organizations that reflect the state’s rich diversity. These groups advocate for key issues and mobilize voters, often through local chapters and affiliates. Active caucuses include the Women’s, Hispanic & Latino, Veterans, Pride, Rural, AAPI, Young Democrats, Young Black Democrats and College Democrats. Each caucus offers opportunities for engagement, leadership and community-building. Interested individuals can sign up directly through the Ohio Democrats’ website.

Contact

You can call and/or write your representatives. Both State and Federal Elected Representatives ( Senators and Representatives) can be contacted for information and clarification, as well as to make your opinions, as a voter, heard.

Funding

You can make donations to organizations and individuals who have platforms and beliefs consistent with and supportive of your views. Consider who is taking action for what you want to happen.

Boycott

Boycotts may be effective to convey a message.

Call or write your reps. To find your federal and state representatives go to legislature.ohio.gov

RELATED: City Politics: Hildy Awards 

Federal Representatives

U.S. Senate:

Senator Bernie Moreno
DC Office : SR-B33 Russell Building, Washington DC 20510; 202-224-2415
Columbus Office: 200 N High St # 618, Columbus 43215; 614-469-2083
moreno.senate.gov

Senator Jon Husted
DC Office: ST-198 Russell Building, Washington DC 20510; 202-224-3353
husted.senate.gov

U.S. House of Representatives:

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (Ohio’s 9th Congressional District)
D.C. Office: 2314 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-4146
Toledo District Office: 1 Maritime Plaza #600, Toledo, OH 43604; (419) 259-7500
kaptur.house.gov

Congressman Bob Latta (Ohio’s 5th Congressional District)
D.C. Office: 2467 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-6405
Bowling Green District Office: 1045 N Main St, Suite 6, Bowling Green, OH 43402; (419) 354-8700
latta.house.gov

State Elected Representatives

(Not certain who your representative is?  Visit legislature.ohio.gov/members/district-maps and enter your address to find your State Senator and Representative)

Ohio State Senate:

State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (11th Senate District)
Columbus Office: 1 Capitol Square, Ground Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-5204
ohiosenate.gov/paula-hicks-hudson

State Senator Theresa Gavarone (District 2)
Columbus Office: 1 Capitol Square, first floor #138, Columbus 44215; 614-466-8060           ohiosenate.gov/theresa-gavarone

Ohio House of Representatives:

Representative Elgin Rogers, Jr. (District 42)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-1418
ohiohouse.gov/elgin-rogers

Representative Michele Grim (District 43)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 10th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-8010
ohiohouse.gov/michele-grim

Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari (District 75)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-8104
ohiohouse.gov/haraz-ghanbari

Representative Josh Williams (District 44)
77 High St 11th floor,  Columbus, OH 43215; 614-466-1418
ohiohouse.gov/josh-williams

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR