If you spent any time hanging around the Public Square in Mount Vernon this past November, you probably felt that weird, pre-election hum in the air. Politics in Knox County has always been a bit different. It’s not just about the big red or blue wave you see on national TV; it’s about who’s going to fix the potholes on Gambier Street or how the local schools are going to handle the next decade of growth. Honestly, the Knox County Ohio election results from 2025 told a story that most people—especially those outside our corn-and-rolling-hill bubble—completely missed.
It wasn't a landslide for any one side. It was a mosaic.
The Mount Vernon Shake-up
You’ve gotta look at the City Council races to see where the real drama lived. For a while there, it felt like the incumbents were just going to cruise through, but the 3rd Ward had other plans. We ended up with an all-write-in showdown. Can you imagine? No names on the actual printed ballot for that seat, just three people—Taylor Jacklin, Jennifer Shoman, and Gregory Yashnyk—hustling to make sure voters actually picked up a pen.
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In the end, Taylor Jacklin pulled it off. He grabbed about 43% of those write-in votes. It’s sorta rare to see a write-in campaign with that much steam, but Jacklin’s win showed that people in the 3rd Ward were actually paying attention. Meanwhile, the at-large race was its own beast. We had three open spots. The Republicans, Amber Keener and Mel Severns, kept their seats, but Dale Miller, a Democrat, managed to snag the third spot.
Miller’s win is interesting because it breaks up the mono-color block of the council. He pulled in 28.23% of the vote, finishing just behind Severns. It proves that even in a heavily conservative area, a well-run local campaign can cross those party lines. People care more about character and local issues than the letter next to a name when it’s their own backyard.
Why the Levies Actually Mattered
Everyone talks about candidates, but the money is where the rubber meets the road.
The Mental Health & Recovery Board renewal levy was probably the most critical item on the ballot for the long-term health of the county. It passed, but it wasn't a total blowout. In Knox County, about 57% of voters said "yes." Over in Licking County (since the district covers both), it was even tighter at 53%. Basically, the levy provides the backbone for addiction services and mental health support—things this community desperately needs—but there’s clearly a segment of the population getting "levy fatigue."
Then you had the Central Ohio Joint Fire District. They had a replacement levy on the ballot back in May that got absolutely crushed—71% of people voted against it. But come November? They came back with a renewal that people could actually get behind. It passed. It’s a classic Knox County move: if you ask for a "replacement" (which usually means a tax hike), voters get skeptical. If you ask to "renew" what’s already there, they’ll support the firefighters every single day of the week.
School Board Shifts
School boards are usually sleepy affairs, but the 2025 Knox County Ohio election results for education showed some fresh faces stepping up.
- East Knox: Randy Reese, Melissa Tomlinson, and Joshua Beltz took the three open seats.
- Danville: Paul Stover kept his seat, and David Dusthimer is returning to the board.
- Mount Vernon: Mary Rugola-Dye and Jeffrey Ward ran unopposed, which is a bit of a bummer for those of us who like a little debate, but it shows a level of trust (or maybe just exhaustion) in the current direction.
The "Invisible" Winners
We shouldn't forget the folks who didn't have to break a sweat. James Mahan (1st Ward), John Ruckman (2nd Ward), and LeNan Hager (4th Ward) all ran unopposed. Same for the big three at City Hall: Council President Bruce Hawkins, Auditor Daniel Brinkman, and Treasurer David Stuller.
When half the leadership is unopposed, it tells you two things. One, people are generally okay with how things are running. Two, it's really hard to get people to run for office! Taylor Jacklin said it best after his win—he was surprised how many races had no competition. It’s a reminder that local democracy only works if someone actually steps up to do the job.
Looking at the Numbers
If you’re a data nerd, the voter turnout was around 24.31% for the general election. That’s pretty standard for an "off-year," but it’s still kind of wild to think that less than a quarter of the county decided the fate of the mental health services and the entire city council.
What This Means for 2026
The 2025 results set the stage for a very different 2026. With the state and county primaries coming up in May 2026, the local parties are already looking at these numbers. The fact that a Democrat won an at-large seat and a write-in won a ward seat suggests that the "old way" of just putting an 'R' next to your name isn't a guaranteed golden ticket anymore. You have to show up. You have to talk to people.
The Board of Elections has already set the calendar for 2026. If you're thinking about running, the qualifying deadline is February 19, 2026.
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Actionable Next Steps for Knox County Residents
Don't just read the results and walk away. Here is how you can actually use this info:
- Attend a Council Meeting: Now that the new council members like Taylor Jacklin and Dale Miller are seated, go see them in action. Mount Vernon City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of every month.
- Check Your Registration: With the May 2026 primary approaching, the registration deadline is April 6, 2026. You can update your address or register for the first time at the Board of Elections office on Columbus Road.
- Follow the Money: Keep an eye on the Mental Health & Recovery Board. Since the levy passed, they’ll be looking at how to expand services. Their meetings are public, and that’s your tax money at work.
- Consider Running: If you live in a township or ward that had an unopposed race, start talking to your neighbors now. 2027 will be here sooner than you think, and local government needs more than just one option on the ballot.
The Knox County Ohio election results aren't just a list of names; they’re a roadmap for where our community is headed. Whether you’re happy with the winners or not, the beauty of the local system is that the doors to City Hall are almost always open. Go knock on them.