More than 86,000 ballots cast in Medina County in general election

MEDINA — Medina County had the sixth-highest voter turnout in Ohio in the general election, according to the secretary of state's office. Medina County voters cast 86,541 ballots, for a turnout of about 65 percent. Out of those votes, 12,699 voted absentee, 28,252 voted early in-person and 45,590 voted on Election Day. Medina County Board of Elections Director Nicole Mickley said the county's voter turnout for the 2026 midterm election was "really good," with turnout 5 percent higher this year than in 2022. The number of people who voted absentee by mail dropped, but early voting keeps growing, so more people are opting to vote early in person instead, Mickley said. "The early voting turnout was a lot busier than normal for early voting in a midterm since we were just shy of doubling 2022's early voting numbers, and we beat 2020's early voting numbers," she said. "That was kind of interesting because it was a presidential, but 2020 is kind of an odd year in itself, so it's hard to compare things to it exactly. It was still a pretty good turnout in numbers all the way around." The following candidates received the most votes in county-level races: Ben Fuchs won against Matthew Razavi for Medina County Court of Common Pleas judge. Republican Rick Dumperth won against Democrat Carol Brenstuhl for Medina County auditor. Incumbent Kevin Dunn won against Mike Conway for Medina County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile/Probate judge. Republican Julie McNabb won against Democrat Cheryl Minichiello for Medina County commissioner. Republican Sharon Ray won against Democrat Bradford Scott Quade for Medina County recorder in an unexpired term that ends on Dec. 31, 2028. Renewal levies passed in Medina County, while many additional levies did not, except for new levies for the Hinckley Police Department and the Westfield Joint Fire District. The following additional levies failed in Medina County: Harrisville Township's 0.75-mill, five-year additional levy to maintain and operate cemeteries. Litchfield Township's 3-mill, five-year additional levy for fire and emergency medical services. Liverpool Township's 1.5-mill, five-year additional levy for fire and emergency medical services. Wadsworth Schools' 1 percent, five-year additional income tax for school district operations. York Township's bond issue to construct a fire station addition passed by 29 votes, according to unofficial election results. Mickley thanked everyone who helped make the election happen in Medina County, including poll workers and volunteers. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at 330-721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.