Three candidates are vying for one seat on the Hamilton County Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 3, a race that will shape decisions on property taxes, housing and infrastructure across the county's 49 jurisdictions.

Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Results will be posted on the Hamilton County Board of Elections website after polls close.

The candidates are Democrat Meeka Owens, Republican Jonathan Pearson and write-in independent Carrie Davis, according to WVXU's candidate guide.

What's at stake

County commissioners make up the general administrative body for county government. They hold authority over taxing, budgeting, appropriating and purchasing, and they hold title to county property, according to WVXU.

The winner will replace Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas, who lost the Democratic primary in May. Summerow Dumas was the first Black woman to serve as a county commissioner in Ohio, WCPO reported.

The candidates

Meeka Owens is a three-term Cincinnati City Council member who chairs council's Climate, City Services & Infrastructure Committee. She won the Democratic primary on May 5, defeating Summerow Dumas. Her campaign has focused on housing stability and affordability, climate action and regional collaboration, according to WCPO. In her WVXU questionnaire response, Owens said the concerns she hears most across the county center on whether people can afford to build a good life here, citing rising rents, property taxes and a shortage of affordable housing units.

Jonathan Pearson is a Republican and owner of Pearson's Turf & Landscaping, a business he has run since 1992. He has lived in Hamilton County since 1984. In his WVXU questionnaire response, Pearson listed property taxes, sewers, stadiums and safety as the top issues he hears from voters. He said he opposes the Metropolitan Sewer District's proposed pilot program to charge property owners for stormwater runoff. On stadium funding, Pearson said he does not believe the county should fund stadiums the way it does, arguing that the Reds and Bengals owners are wealthy enough to contribute more.

Carrie Davis is running as a write-in independent. She has served as director of Greater Community Groups Inc. since 2003, according to her WVXU questionnaire response.

Also on the ballot

Hamilton County voters are also deciding two tax levies, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer's ballot guide. Cincinnati Public Schools is seeking an additional 7-mill levy for current expenses over five years. Hamilton County is asking voters to approve a renewal and increase of 5.61 mills over four years for children's services, care and placement.

How to follow results

Polls close at 7:30 p.m. The Board of Elections will post interactive results at results.votehamiltoncountyohio.gov. Voters with questions can call the Board of Elections at (513) 946-8500.