Homeowners in Franklin County are being encouraged to assess the potential financial impact of upcoming ballot measures, as Election Day approaches on 5 May. County Auditor Michael Stinziano has urged residents to make use of an online Levy Estimator tool designed to provide a clearer understanding of how proposed levies could affect individual property tax bills.
The appeal comes as part of a broader voter awareness initiative, with local officials seeking to improve transparency around the financial consequences of ballot decisions. With six local levy issues set to appear on the primary ballot, the Auditor’s Office is positioning the tool as a practical resource for informed decision-making.
Developed by the Franklin County Auditor’s Office, the Levy Estimator enables homeowners to input their property address or parcel number to access tailored projections. The tool outlines existing levies attached to a property and provides estimates of how taxes may change if proposed levies or bond issues are approved.
“Before voters cast their ballot, they should have a clear picture of what a levy could mean for their household,” Stinziano said. “The Levy Estimator gives homeowners a simple, property-specific way to understand the potential tax impact of issues on their ballot.”
The initiative forms part of the Auditor’s “Value of Your Vote” outreach campaign, which aims to bridge the gap between ballot measures and their real-world financial implications. Alongside the online platform, the campaign includes targeted postcard mailings directing residents to the estimator tool, reinforcing efforts to boost engagement ahead of polling day.
This year’s ballot features six local levy issues across specific jurisdictions within Franklin County: Minerva Park, Prairie Township, Jefferson Township, Sharon Township, Southwest Public Libraries, and Franklin Township. Notably, there are no countywide levies included in this election cycle, meaning the financial impact will vary depending on where voters reside.
Officials say the Levy Estimator is updated ahead of each election cycle to reflect current ballot measures and ensure accuracy. By providing property-specific insights, the tool is intended to remove uncertainty for homeowners weighing the cost implications of supporting local funding initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Franklin County Board of Elections has confirmed that early in-person voting will continue until Sunday, 3 May. Absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. Voters also have the option to hand-deliver completed absentee ballots to the Board’s offices on Morse Road in Columbus up until the same deadline.
Election officials continue to emphasise the importance of preparation, particularly as local levies often fund essential services such as libraries, emergency services, and community infrastructure. Understanding the financial implications of these measures is seen as a key component of responsible voting.
For voters seeking further details on polling times, ballot content, and voting procedures, official information is available via the county’s election website.
As the countdown to Election Day enters its final days, authorities are reinforcing the message that informed participation is critical. By combining accessible digital tools with targeted outreach, Franklin County officials hope to ensure that residents not only cast their votes—but do so with a clear understanding of the potential economic consequences.
