COMMUNITY ALERT - Akron Votes 2026: Three Issues — Two Important Dates

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On The Corner | October 2, 2026

Akron voters have more than candidates to consider in the November 3 General Election. Three proposed amendments to the Akron City Charter — Issues 11, 12 and 13 — will also appear on the ballot.

Before getting to the issues, there are two dates every Ohio voter should know:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 — VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Ohioans must register or update their voter registration by October 5 to participate in the November 3 General Election. County boards of elections and the Ohio Secretary of State's office will remain open until 9 p.m.

Voters can also check their registration before the deadline.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 — VOTING BEGINS

Early in-person voting begins across Ohio on October 6. Absentee voting by mail also begins that day.

WHAT AKRON VOTERS WILL DECIDE

ISSUE 11 — RENTAL FEES & SECURITY DEPOSITS

Issue 11 would amend Akron's charter to prohibit application fees and certain other payments before a residential rental agreement is signed.

It would also require landlords to give renters the option of paying a security deposit over three or six months and require prospective tenants to be informed of that option.

ISSUE 12 — HOUSING & CRIMINAL HISTORY

Issue 12 would add protections concerning criminal history to Akron's housing anti-discrimination rules.

With specified exceptions, including sex-offense and arson-related cases, property owners and operators would be prohibited from refusing certain real-estate transactions solely because of a person's arrests, convictions or incarceration history.

The Akron Civil Rights Commission would have jurisdiction over real-estate discrimination claims covered by the amendment.

ISSUE 13 — CIVILIAN POLICE OVERSIGHT

Issue 13 concerns Akron's Citizens' Police Oversight Board and independent police auditor.

The proposed charter amendment would expand oversight authority, including subpoena powers, and require city officials to respond to findings and recommendations from the independent police auditor. It also addresses the process for selecting members of the oversight board.