Government and Politics Archives – Athens County Independent

2026 Ohio election dates and deadlines

By Athens County Independent staff ● Elections ● January 27, 2026

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose released a comprehensive 2026 elections calendar.

Latest in Government and Politics

Property tax reform bills offer relief, local officials express concern

By Eric Boll ● Government ● January 22, 2026

The Ohio legislature is working to lower property taxes as multiple citizen groups call for the abolishment of property taxes.

Paul Isherwood and Alan Swank saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Crowd weighs in on Pledge of Allegiance at Athens City Council

By Larry Di Giovanni ● Government ● January 22, 2026

Athens City Council on Tuesday saw a demonstration prior to the meeting organized by former state rep. Jay Edwards, of Nelsonville, who is currently running for state treasurer.

Athens County Job and Family Services offices.

Child support enforcement agency takes hit in JFS layoffs

By Keri Johnson ● Government ● January 22, 2026

Four of five positions set to be eliminated by Athens County Jobs and Family Services are in the county’s Child Support Enforcement Agency.

Ohio Senator Brian Chavez faces ethics complaint over industry ties

By Dani Kington & Eric Boll ● Environment ● January 22, 2026

A Washington County group argues Chavez failed to disclose financial interests and has used his position for personal gain.

The statutory Nelsonville City Council behind a table

Statutory city council meets again in Nelsonville

By Connor Chomicki ● Government ● January 21, 2026

The council held a brief meeting and long executive session at Hocking College on Monday.

Precinct and polling location changes for Athens County beginning May 2026

By Athens County Board of Elections ● Elections ● January 20, 2026

Notices will be mailed out to all registered voters in these precincts/polling locations giving them the needed information regarding the changes that apply to them specifically.