The Vindicator's guide to next week's primary

Click here to view the articles in the elections guide.

In Mahoning County, voters will be asked to approve a 0.5-percent sales and use tax. Instead of seeking approval to renew the tax every five years, the county wants voters to support a 0.5-percent tax for a continuing period.

The only competitive Democratic primaries in Mahoning County are for five of the seven seats on Youngstown City Council and for offices in Struthers, including mayor. This is the first competitive Struthers mayoral contest in 16 years.

The Democratic primaries in Trumbull County cities of note include a three-way race for mayor of Girard, with James J. Melfi, the incumbent, challenged by two councilmen, Dan Moadus and Louis J. Adovasio.

There's also a three-way Democratic primary for mayor of McDonald, with James Border, the incumbent, not seeking re-election.

Democratic council-at-large races in Hubbard and Niles.

There is a four-way race for the Democratic nominee for mayor of Salem.

Mahoning and Columbiana counties seek renewal of tax levies to continue providing funding for Boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

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