Akron Voters Will Decide Six Ballot Issues in November
Residents will cast ballots on three city charter amendments and three liquor options on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should the city intervene in rental payment terms and police oversight procedures?
Akron voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide the fate of six ballot issues. The ballot includes three city charter amendments related to housing and police oversight, alongside three local liquor options.
Why it matters
These measures seek to codify new regulations for local rental agreements and police accountability protocols in the city. If passed, the proposals will mandate significant changes to how property owners operate and how oversight is conducted for law enforcement.
The ballot features three city charter amendments and three liquor options, all of which require a majority affirmative vote for passage. Notably, Issue 12 mandates that the City Council enact implementing legislation within 90 days of the effective date.
The players
Akron City Council
This local governing body is responsible for enacting the legislative framework required if Issue 12 is approved by voters.
Akron Civil Rights Commission
This agency would be granted new jurisdiction over real estate discrimination claims if Issue 12 receives majority support.
Citizens' Police Oversight Board
This entity is the subject of proposed reforms under Issue 13 which would change how its members are appointed.
The details
Issue 11 addresses security deposits and rental fees, while Issue 12 restricts how property owners may screen potential tenants based on criminal history. Additionally, Issue 13 seeks to modify the appointment structure for the Citizens' Police Oversight Board and grant the independent auditor subpoena power.
Timeline
Akron voters will vote on ballot issues on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
These ballot issues follow a pattern of using voter referenda to amend the Akron City Charter. Supporters and opponents are currently framing these proposals as either necessary reforms to existing housing policies or as regulatory overreach that places undue burdens on property owners.
The passage of these measures will directly impact local renters and property owners by changing rules for security deposits and rental screening processes. Residents should review the specific requirements of Issue 11 and Issue 12 to understand how their future housing agreements may be regulated.
The takeaway
Voters should examine the specific language of each amendment to understand the potential shift in city oversight and housing law. These changes reflect a growing effort to address local rental equity and police transparency through direct democratic action.
Further reading
For more information on local government, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Signal Akron.
Live Poll
Should the city intervene in rental payment terms and police oversight procedures?
