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Know before you vote

We’ve heard a lot of talk recently about the importance of voting, and yes, it’s a duty that all citizens should fulfill.

Before you cast your ballot, though, the hope is you will take the time to become an informed voter.

There are many ways to do that. During the next couple of weeks, for example, we’ll be running preview stories about many of the races that are appearing on the ballot, as well as stories about issues, from tax levies to Ohio’s Issue I.

You can also expect to see candidates, their surrogates and supporters of various issues going door to door through neighborhoods, looking to drop off information. That meeting with the candidate or his or her representative can be a great way to learn more about the person seeking office or the issue. Take advantage of the face-to-face opportunity if you have questions.

Another great way to become informed is to attend one of the many political forums sponsored by groups and organizations around the area. While the formats differ, each offers a chance to meet candidates, hear them speak and ask questions.

One forum that has become a staple of every election season will be held Thursday at Eastern Gateway Community College. Presented by the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women, the event will allow area residents to get to know a little more about some of the candidates involved in area races and get more details about at least one ballot issue.

The evening is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., when a meet-and-greet will give voters a chance to talk with area candidates or their representatives. The forum portion will begin at 6:30 p.m. Information will be provided by Superintendent Bill Beattie, who will discuss the Edison Local School District’s 5.9-mill, five-year renewal levy; and representatives who will speak on behalf of state Rep. Jack Cera, D-Bellaire, who is seeking re-election; U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, who is seeking re-election; and Senate candidates Democrat Sherrod Brown, who is seeking re-election, and Republican Jim Renacci.

According to Phyllis Riccadonna, BPW president and organizer of the event, officials with the Brown and Renacci campaigns have indicated that the door remains open to the possibility of the candidates themselves making an appearance. It would make for an interesting evening if they were able to make the trip to Steubenville. The two will hold their first debate tonight in Cleveland and their final debate Oct. 26 on the campus of Miami University in Oxford.

Candidates for two Jefferson County positions will take part in a debate-style portion. Scheduled to participate are incumbent Democrat Thomas Graham and independent Martin Sohovich, who are running for Jan. 1 seat on the county commissioners, and Republican E.J. Conn and Democrat Scott Renforth, who are running for the county auditor’s position.

Questions for the candidates will come from representatives of local media outlets. Joining me on that panel will be D.K. Wright of WTRF-TV and Rich Pierce of WTOV-TV. The most important job of the evening, though, likely will belong to Mary Lou Jones. The BPW secretary will be the timekeeper during the debate portion and will be responsible for ensuring answers and responses stay within the evening’s parameters.

If you plan to vote — and the expectation here is that you do — you owe it to yourself to attend an event like Thursday’s forum. By studying the issues, listening to the candidates and hearing where they stand, you’ll be able to make the best possible choice.

(Gallabrese, a resident of Steubenville, is executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times.)

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