Hope L. Smalls is on the Ohio Voter Guide

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Important Dates to Know:

  • October 5: Deadline to register to vote
  • October 6: Absentee Voting by Mail and Early In-Person Voting begins (view early in-person voting hours)
  • October 27: Deadline to request an absentee ballot (must be received by your board of elections by 8:30 pm)
  • November 3: Election Day 
    - Vote in-person at your polling location, open between 6:30 am to 7:30 pm on Election Day
    - Return an absentee ballot to your board of elections by 7:30 pm to be counted)

Helpful Links:

Democrat
Hope L. Smalls
Hope L. Smalls
Background and Bio
Hope L. Smalls grew up in a military family, moving from base to base. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Rights Studies and History from the University of Dayton and her law degree and a Master of Laws in democratic governance and rule of law from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law. During her time in law school, she externed with Save the Children USA and the Defense Department’s anti-trafficking office. Smalls began her legal career as an assistant prosecutor in the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. She then worked as an assistant prosecutor for the City of Dayton. Smalls served as a Juvenile Court magistrate from 2019 to 2026 before returning to to the prosecutor’s office. She lives in Dayton and is married.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretative Approach: Smalls’ campaign materials center on a “village” approach to juvenile justice. She wants stronger partnerships among the court, community organizations, faith leaders, educators, and mental health professionals.
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: According to her campaign, she supports expanding wraparound services for juveniles, such as housing stability, job training, and mentorship. Her campaign also highlights her support for expanding specialized treatment courts for substance abuse and mental health, which she says should be evidence-based and fully funded. She also states support for having the court reflect the county’s diversity and has highlighted that she would work with schools so detained youth can earn credits toward graduation.

Endorsements
  • National Association of Social Workers
  • International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 136
  • AFSCME
  • Dayton-Miami Valley AFL-CIO Regional Labor Council
  • IUE-CWA
Background and Bio
Hope L. Smalls grew up in a military family, moving from base to base. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Rights Studies and History from the University of Dayton and her law degree and a Master of Laws in democratic governance and rule of law from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law. During her time in law school, she externed with Save the Children USA and the Defense Department’s anti-trafficking office. Smalls began her legal career as an assistant prosecutor in the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. She then worked as an assistant prosecutor for the City of Dayton. Smalls served as a Juvenile Court magistrate from 2019 to 2026 before returning to to the prosecutor’s office. She lives in Dayton and is married.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretative Approach: Smalls’ campaign materials center on a “village” approach to juvenile justice. She wants stronger partnerships among the court, community organizations, faith leaders, educators, and mental health professionals.
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: According to her campaign, she supports expanding wraparound services for juveniles, such as housing stability, job training, and mentorship. Her campaign also highlights her support for expanding specialized treatment courts for substance abuse and mental health, which she says should be evidence-based and fully funded. She also states support for having the court reflect the county’s diversity and has highlighted that she would work with schools so detained youth can earn credits toward graduation.

Endorsements
  • National Association of Social Workers
  • International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 136
  • AFSCME
  • Dayton-Miami Valley AFL-CIO Regional Labor Council
  • IUE-CWA
Last Updated:2026-10-19
Innovation Ohio Education Fund

Paid for by Innovation Ohio Education Fund.

The nonpartisan summaries of candidates’ backgrounds and issue summaries within this voter guide were compiled from publicly available campaign materials and statements, candidate websites and social media accounts, and news coverage of the candidates and election.

Information presented within this resource is for educational and informational purposes and does not reflect the views or positions of Innovation Ohio Education Fund. Inclusion in this guide does not reflect an endorsement of, or opposition to, any candidate or political party.