Election Day is here! Americans everywhere are researching and preparing for the midterm elections, researching candidates, figuring out where they will cast their votes, and so much more!
If this is your first year voting, or maybe you haven’t voted in a while, we have the information to help you feel comfortable heading into the polls Tuesday, Nov. 6.
On Tuesday, your ballot will consist of an array of Ohio issues and candidates to pick through and decide on. If you don’t know what is on your ballot, you can find it on the Secretary of State’s website.
To find see your ballot, head to https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/sample-ballot/#gref.
Here you will select your county and fill out the desired information and it will show you a sample of what you will vote for Tuesday.
Sorting through and making a choice can be hard for voters, with information being hard to come by and feeling confident you can trust your choice.
A great way to check out your candidates and their platforms is to visit their campaign website, easily found by typing their name and adding “Ohio election 2018” to the end of the search.
Another great resource for getting to know your candidates is the Dayton Daily News’ “Voter Guide,” with information and resources to help you select a candidate. Make sure you have your sample ballot with you, though, to make sure you are keeping track of the people you may want to select.
A great way to feel low stress going into the ballots Tuesday is to carry a filled in sample ballot with you to vote. This way you don’t forget your choices on the big day. For many voters, they have to pick candidates for several positions, it can be hard to remember their names or details about them if you may be nervous or stressed heading in to vote.
Don’t forget your identification going to the ballots that day! In order to vote, you must have a way to prove who you are, that being an unexpired drivers license or identification card, military identification, a current utility bill with your name and current address.
Lastly, make sure you are comfortable when you go in to vote. If you have questions, ask them, and don’t worry about making mistakes. Your voice does matter, and voting is a big way you can get people talking about things you care about.
Remember, cast researched votes, and make sure you know about all the candidate’s platforms. While you may identify as Republican or Democrat, you could find other candidates hold valuable opinions and ideals that correlate with yours. Don’t forget that there are more than two parties on the ballot as well, with Libertarian and Green parties running for many big slots, including the governor.
Hopefully, you will feel at ease heading in to vote, Tuesday! These are your choices now! Mom, dad, neighbor, they each hold their own opinion that may vary slightly from yours. This is your opportunity to see a change where you want it. Make sure, if you are registered, you go out and cast your vote. Don’t forget to post a picture of your “I Voted” sticker when you are done!
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Staff Writer