Residents in the city of Cortland are voting Tuesday in a special election to decide if Mayor Deidre Petrosky will stay in office.

Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. at two locations: the Cortland Masonic Lodge and the Cortland Christian Church. Voters have until 7:30 p.m. to cast their ballots on a single question. The ballot asks if Petrosky should be allowed to continue as mayor.

The election follows a petition drive organized by local residents in late 2025. Organizers submitted 511 signatures to the city, and the Trumbull County Board of Elections confirmed that 488 were valid. This was more than the 381 signatures required by the city charter to start a recall.

Those who support the recall have said they are concerned about how the mayor manages city operations. They also pointed to disagreements between the mayor and city council regarding hiring decisions.

Petrosky, who was first elected in 2019 and won a second term in 2023, has denied any wrongdoing. She refused to resign after the petition was filed. Petrosky said she has a duty to finish several city projects, including work on a new safety complex and a salt dome.

If a majority of voters choose "yes," Petrosky will remain in office. If the majority votes "no," she will be removed. The Trumbull County Board of Elections will begin counting the votes after the polls close tonight.