Cuyahoga BOE to Certify May Ballot Without Public Review Process | The Locally Times
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has not published draft candidate lists or ballot language for public inspection ahead of its Feb. 17 vote to certify the May 5 primary ballot.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections will hold its regular monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. on February 17, 2026, at its offices at 1803 Superior Avenue in Cleveland. This certification is the official act that finalizes the content and format of the ballot that voters will use. ## No Draft Ballot Published for Review A review of the Board of Elections’ public meeting notices and online calendar reveals no documented procedure for how the public can inspect the list of candidates or the text of ballot issues prior to the February 17 certification vote. No supporting documents, such as a draft list of certified candidates or the final language of ballot issues, are attached to the meeting announcement. The absence of this information means the public does not have a specified, official channel to verify the accuracy of names, party affiliations, or the precise wording of local levies and referendums. The records do not indicate how or when the final ballot information will be made public. ## Lack of Review Process Limits Oversight The certification of the ballot is a foundational step in administering an election, ensuring all candidates have met the legal requirements to run for office and that the language of all ballot measures complies with state law. Without a clearly defined public review period, potential errors, omissions, or ambiguities on the ballot may not be identified until after they are formally approved, making corrections more difficult and costly. While the certification itself occurs in a public meeting, the opportunity for meaningful oversight by residents is limited if the materials being voted on are not available for inspection beforehand. Public records also do not detail what criteria the board will use during the meeting to certify the items, nor do they specify if public comment will be permitted on the certification itself. ## Final Decision Set for February 17 The Board of Elections is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of every election in Cuyahoga County. The board’s established procedures for critical functions like ballot certification are a matter of public record and trust. The February 17 meeting is the last scheduled opportunity for public observation before the board finalizes the slate of candidates and issues presented to voters in the May 5 primary.