COLUMBUS, Ohio - Northwest Ohio voters are poised to decide a hotly contested governor's race and key congressional contests as Republicans try to win control of the state ahead of the 2012 presidential election.
The winners of statewide offices also will have far-reaching impact, affecting which political party draws legislative districts that will be in place for the next decade.
The high stakes have been evident in the expensive, sometimes nasty dogfight between Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Republican challenger John Kasich. The state is critical to President Barack Obama's hopes for a second term in two years.
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has predicted a 52 percent voter turnout in Ohio. That's a slight drop from the 2006 governor's race and well below the near 70 percent turnout in the 2008 presidential election.
FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE - ELECTION RESULTS - GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES - LOCAL ISSUES BREAKDOWN
Several school districts are keeping a close eye on levy request on Tuesday's ballot. Toledo Public, Springfield, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, Rossford, and Oregon are all asking voters in their districts to vote in favor of funding measures. Residents in Ottawa Hills will vote on an ongoing deer cull issue.
Voters in Ohio can cast ballots until polls close at 7:30 p.m. Michigan polls opened at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m.
(The Associated Press contributed to this article.)
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