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As election season heats up around the country, the political situation is filled with expectations. With the general election just around the doorstep, politicians from all parties seek votes through rallies, speeches, and local campaigns.
Every state plays an essential part in shaping the country’s future. The Clarion interviewed Christine Corba, the Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of the Greater Dayton Area (LWV), to understand the current election season. Corba has held this position since 2021 and expressed her thoughts on the heat of activities building up to the presidential election.
“I love my job because I get to work with a lot of really smart people who are very passionate about making sure that voters in this area have the ability to have their voice heard through their vote,” said Corba.
Voting is essential, especially when it comes to presidential elections. However, local elections are also important and should be given as much attention as the others. In the Dayton area, several local elections are going on; the commissioners, Montgomery County treasurer, Montgomery County clerk of court, and many more are running.
“One of the biggest issues that’s a statewide issue is Issue 1, which is about an Amendment that aims to take redistricting out of the hands of politicians and create a 15-person commission who will be in charge of the redistricting map-making process,” said Corba.
This issue affects all of Ohio and many places across the country, and these 15 Ohio citizens who will be elected can be anyone who has never served as a politician, married, or involved with anyone who is and has been a politician.
To learn about candidates and their positions on major issues like issue one, Corba encourages you to visit the LWV’s website or Vote 411. All you have to do to access the information while using Vote 411 is enter your address, and then it will generate all the races and issues that would affect where you live.
In order to educate voters ahead of these crucial elections. LWV holds a series of forums in the community and invites all candidates in a contested race to participate. They have the voter guide newspaper and are available to answer any questions.
“One of the biggest things that people need to know is that in order to vote in person, you must have a valid ID, Ohio driver’s license, a military ID card that is federally issued, or a passport. If you vote by absentee ballot, you can use the last four digits of your Social Security number, and you do not need any ID card,” said Corba.
She also said you can only drop your absentee ballot in the box. If you want to bring an absentee ballot of a loved one who may have a disability or your spouse, you must go into the Board of Elections office and sign a sworn statement indicating that you have permission to turn in the absentee ballot.
“Voting puts voters in power. People have the power to choose their elected officials; the way it is done right now is that they are choosing us instead of us choosing them. They do not have to answer if we do not vote. The League of Women Voters created the Voter Empowerment Project, with a committee working together to reach out to underserved communities registered to vote but not voting,” said Corba.
According to Corba, Dayton has many registered voters but getting them to vote is another issue. So, LWV sends the voter’s information to those who receive meals through Miami Valley Meals.
They also collaborate with other programs or organizations to ensure these people vote and are well-educated about voting because it matters who they elect to represent them nationwide and locally.
With election day around the corner, it is crucial for those who will vote to be educated and prepared. Each vote matters, whether in the presidential or local elections. Corba, alongside the League of Women Voters, is there to encourage citizens and empower them with the knowledge they need to make better decisions. Take time to educate yourself and learn about what you need to vote.
Esperance Amuri