This year, as many of us know, is an election year. The polls have already begun, but it isn’t too late to get in on the fun. Make sure you have already registered to vote, which you can do at https://olvr.sos.state.oh.us/. But there is more that you should do before you go vote.
Before you vote you should make sure you look at the available candidates for your region. Look at their history, the things they want to change, what they may have previously supported, their career history. These things all go into helping you decide which candidate you would back.
Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent or Undecided, you will have an array of choices. To see what district you are in visit this website to find your county then go from there further, https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/ohio-candidates/district-maps/.
Visit this website, http://www.mcohio.org/2018_General_Election_Candidates.pdf, to view a list of the candidates up for election in November.
Voting will take place two more times this 2018 year. First on August 7 and second on November 6. Make sure you locate your actual voting location immediately after registering, or look it up here at https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/sample-ballot/.
Voting is an aspect that is even rare today. We have a right that only some people dream of and it is important we recognize that. I am a firm believer in that sometimes, not voting in of itself is a vote.
Some people choose not to vote as a message that their state has no one on the ballot they want in office. Others choose not to vote because they like all the candidates and cannot choose one they believe they best identify with. Most, though, do not vote because they do not feel like it, or because they forget.
I think it is important that, no matter how you feel about any particular candidate up for election, that you are familiar with some ideals that each carries, whether you agree or not. It is good to know what could happen if your vote doesn’t go your way.
It is also important to know what you believe ahead of time. Avoid just taking your best friends word for it. Don’t always even take a single reporter’s. Read several news articles and know your fundamental beliefs when making a choice about who you want representing you.
And lastly, remember that when you vote, how you vote may have an impact much greater than yourself. Think about your communities’ direction, what about your community do you believe needs changed, and what do you like about your area?
Show the youth around you, too, that voting is a big part of adulthood and that when they are of a voting age, they should also make wise, educated choices.
If you have any questions about Ohio voting visit https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/. For further questions about voting in Montgomery County, visit http://www.mcboe.org/.
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Staff Writer