On Nov. 6, voters all over the country will head to the polls to cast their votes in the 2012 Presidential General Election. But to beat the rush, voters in Ohio can get a head start with early voting.
“Sometimes when people vote on Election Day, in the long lines, they decide ‘well I don’t have time’ and then they walk away,” said Tom Roberts, advisor for the Student Government Association at Sinclair Community College. “If that’s how you approach it, then I would say give yourself those 20-some days… as opposed to coming down to the last day. Because when the day arrives, that’s the last day. And then if you decide not to vote — you’ve lost your chance to participate.
In-person early voting in Ohio began on Oct. 2 and will run through Nov. 2.
Appropriately registered voters can vote at the Montgomery County Board of Elections, located on 451 W. Third Street in Dayton. And according to their website, they encourage Ohioans to take advantage of the opportunity and are offering free parking.
Brandon Whitehorn, Student Government Association president, said he believes early voting is beneficial and convenient for Sinclair students because of the Montgomery County Board of Elections’ neighboring location and the likelihood that voters will face shorter lines.
“It’s quick, painless… [and] easier than a quiz,” said Whitehorn. “Just be informed and you’re good to go.”
The potential long lines on Election Day are a shared concern, and Sinclair’s College Republicans Advisors Kathleen Sooy and Jennifer Sooy affirm the benefits of not waiting until Nov. 6.
“It provides a convenience for people who work different hours and have busy schedules to go out and cast their vote,” said Jennifer Sooy. “People are out and voting, and that’s positive.”
Roberts emphasized how important it is for students to vote.
“I look at voting as one of the greatest expressions of a democracy, said Roberts. “We all can’t go to Washington. We all can’t go to Columbus. We send people there.”
The Nov. 6 general election register deadline was Oct. 9, but for those Ohioans who are registered, the right to vote in the general election can be carried out without the worry of scheduling around work or school obligations that might come up this November’s first Tuesday.
Visit The Montgomery County Board of Elections website at www.mcboe.org for more information.
If you are registered outside of Montgomery County and would like to learn your early voting location, contact your county’s board of elections.