Slow, Steady Start to Early Primary Voting

Voters in Mahoning and Trumbull counties turn out on the first day to cast their ballots.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:05am

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A serene, painterly scene of a single voter filling out a ballot in an empty polling place, the space illuminated by warm, angled light and deep shadows, conveying the quiet importance of the democratic process.The solitary act of voting takes on a contemplative, civic-minded tone as early primary voters trickle in to cast their ballots.Youngstown Today

The first day of early voting for the primary election in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, Ohio saw a steady but not overwhelming turnout, as voters expressed the importance of participating in the democratic process and the convenience of avoiding potential issues on Election Day.

Why it matters

Early voting is a crucial part of the electoral process, allowing voters to cast their ballots at their convenience and potentially boosting overall turnout. The pace of early voting can provide insights into voter enthusiasm and priorities ahead of the primary.

The details

Voters who came out on the first day of early voting cited reasons like the importance of voting, avoiding potential issues on Election Day, and getting it done as soon as possible. There were no long lines, and election officials described the day as 'nice and steady' with 'nothing crazy.' Early in-person voting will continue through the weeks leading up to the primary on May 5.

  • Early in-person voting began on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Early voting will continue through Friday, April 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Additional early voting days are scheduled for April 13-17 and April 20-24, also 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The final days of early voting will be April 27-May 1, with varying hours including evenings and weekends.
  • Election Day for the primary is Tuesday, May 5, with polls open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The players

Arlene Nespeca

A voter from Boardman, Ohio who said she always votes on the first day of early voting because 'it matters' and she likes to 'do it when it first happens.'

David Dunlavey

A voter from Austintown, Ohio who works at a polling location on Election Day, so he typically votes on the first day of early voting.

Ed Aey

A voter from Boardman, Ohio who likes to vote on the first day of early voting to 'get it done as quickly as I can' and avoid potential issues on Election Day.

Karen McBurney

A voter from North Lima, Ohio who decided to vote early on the first day because she 'didn't want to wait in line' and normally votes early to 'get it done as soon as possible.'

Suzanne Rintala

A voter from Austintown, Ohio who normally votes early and came out on the first day 'to get it done as soon as possible so I don't have to worry about it.'

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What they’re saying

“'It's because it matters, and I like to do it when it first happens. Everyone has the right to vote, and they should vote. It doesn't matter who you vote for — just vote.'”

— Arlene Nespeca, Voter

“'I'm most concerned with governor and the different tax levies. I understand the levies, but people have to realize that we have to be able to afford to pay them. It's getting ridiculous. They keep asking for more, but there's got to be a cap some place. I'm retired and on a fixed income.'”

— David Dunlavey, Voter

“'I encourage people to come out early and get it out of the way. Sometimes on the day of voting something happens and you don't get to vote. By voting early, you make sure it gets done.'”

— Ed Aey, Voter

“'I didn't want to wait in line. I normally vote early. My husband likes to vote on the day of the election. But I like voting early. There's no lines, you get in and out. Voting is important. I want to do my duty.'”

— Karen McBurney, Voter

“'I want to get it done as soon as possible so I don't have to worry about it.'”

— Suzanne Rintala, Voter

What’s next

Election Day for the primary is Tuesday, May 5, with polls open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The takeaway

The steady but not overwhelming turnout on the first day of early voting suggests voters in Mahoning and Trumbull counties recognize the importance of participating in the democratic process, but may not be highly energized about the specific primary races and issues on the ballot. The convenience of early voting continues to be a draw for many, as they seek to avoid potential issues on Election Day.