August 26, 2026

Election season brings important decisions for the business community, and the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance's annual Candidates and Elected Officials Reception offers members a timely opportunity to connect directly with the people making and seeking decisions that impact local businesses.

In lieu of a formal program, this year’s reception will offer space for business leaders to share priorities, ask questions, and build relationships ahead of the election. Confirmed attendance from elected officials (as of August 20) include:

State Senator Jerry Cirino, District 18
*State Senator Jane Timken, District 29
State Senator Casey Weinstein, District 28
State Representative Steve Demetriou, District 35 - Candidate for Ohio Senate District 27
*State Representative Matt Kishman, District 50
State Representative Bill Roemer, District 31
*State Representative Veronica Sims
*State Representative Jim Thomas, District 49
Stark County Commissioner Alan Harold
Munroe Falls Mayor Allen Mavrides
Jackson Township Trustee Justin Hardesty
Lake Township Trustee Sue Grabowski

* = running for reelection or currently held seat

Get connected and engaged with candidates and elected officials on Thursday, October 8 from 5:00–7:00 PM at House Three Thirty in Akron.

Refreshments and heavy appetizers will be provided.

Tax Policy is at the Forefront of the 2026 General Election

As the 136th General Assembly nears its conclusion and Ohio prepares for a new gubernatorial administration and legislative session, tax policy remains a major focus for lawmakers and employers alike. In July, the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance hosted State Representatives Bill Roemer (OH-31), Jack Daniels (OH-32) and Dave Thomas (OH-65) for a timely conversation on tax policy and its implications for Ohio’s communities, businesses and long-term competitiveness.

The Representatives highlighted recent property tax developments and emerging tax issues that are helping shape both the 2026 election cycle and the 2027 legislative agenda. The conversation underscored the complexity of tax reform, including the need to balance property tax relief, municipal income tax issues, essential public services, Ohio’s ability to compete for investment and job creation.

As legislators continue working through tax issues related to Ohio’s R&D tax credit, property tax, and municipal income tax reform, the ACAA will keep members informed of opportunities like these and welcomes perspective as we begin formulating our 2027 Public Policy Agenda.

Voter Election Guide

The Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance is committed to providing pertinent information on candidates, ballot issues, and legislation that impacts your business. As such, the online Voter Election Guide serves as a one-stop resource for clear, nonpartisan information on key races and issues on the November 3 ballot.

This year’s ballot includes candidates for U.S. Senate, Ohio’s Congressional seats, Ohio Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, and seats on the Ohio Supreme Court (as well as a number of Ohio House and Senate seats and local offices). The guide will feature candidate overviews, links to campaign websites, recorded conversations with candidates, and direct access to county board of elections for up-to-date local voting information.

With a full slate of candidates and issues on the ballot, make sure your voter registration is up to date.

View the Voter Guide

General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Important Deadlines

Voter registration deadline: October 5
Early in-person voting: October 6 – November 2
Absentee voting by mail: October 6 – November 2

*Absentee ballots must be received on election day by your board of elections by 7:30 PM

What You'll Need to Register Online

Ohio driver license or Ohio identification card number
Name
Date of Birth
Address
Last four digits of your Social Security number

*For more information, or to check your voter registration status, click here .

The Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance is a collaboration of the Greater Akron Chamber and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce to represent the needs of our 4,500 members and engage with elected officials and policymakers for the benefit of the Akron-Canton region.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

For more information, contact John Rizzo, Vice President, at jrizzo@akroncantonadvocacy.org or Daisha Okolo, Manager, at dokolo@akroncantonadvocacy.org.

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