CLEVELAND — As Ohioans prepare to head to the polls Tuesday, two candidates took time to visit Greater Cleveland ahead of Election Day.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and U.S. Senate candidate Tim Ryan were in the area Monday to make their final pitches to Northeast Ohioans before they vote.
DeWine told 3News' Neil Fischer that there's no substitute for face-to-face interactions.
"This is just kind of retail politics where I have the chance to not only talk to people, but just listen," said Gov. DeWine as he visited Joe's Deli in Rocky River.
DeWine added that he would be at polling locations in southern Ohio on Election Day. The 75-year-old is seeking reelection as he faces former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley in the gubernatorial race. Whaley was also in Cleveland on Monday, making a stop at the West Side Market.
"You just get a feel for what people are concerned about and it's an opportunity just for me to listen and hear what they are concerned about," said Gov. DeWine.
Rep. Tim Ryan, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, stopped by the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority's main campus Monday to meet with Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.
Ryan told 3News that Democrats have momentum all across Ohio.
"We got a ton of Republican crossovers, the Democratic base is very energized, we want to represent everybody," said Ryan.
Ryan's opponent, JD Vance, was also in Northeast Ohio on Monday. Vance made a stop in Avon ahead of a busy day, which includes a rally with former President Donald Trump in the evening.
For voters, it's important to understand the candidates they're voting for on Tuesday. The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has a "sample ballot" for citizens to research who they're voting for before Election Day.
"You can make your decisions ahead of time," said Mike West with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. "You can research the candidates and issues instead of reading about them for the very first time."
In Cuyahoga County, 4,000 people are needed to administer the Election Day process.
"We are very fortunate, we reached our poll worker recruiting goals several weeks ago," said West.
The poll workers have already been trained and placed for Election Day in Cuyahoga County.
The polls open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, and close at 7:30 p.m.
More Election Coverage:
- The race for Ohio Governor: Here's what you need to know about candidates Mike DeWine and Nan Whaley
- Ohio's US Senate battle: What you need to know about candidates Tim Ryan and JD Vance
- US House races in Northeast Ohio: Here's what you need to know about the candidates prior to Nov. 8 election
- The battle for Cuyahoga County Executive: What you need to know about candidates Chris Ronayne and Lee Weingart