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While this year's general election is exactly two weeks away, residents from across the region already are casting ballots or will soon be able to.
Early voting in Ohio started Oct. 8, while West Virginians will have the opportunity to participate in early in-person voting beginning Wednesday.
Thanks to absentee and in-person early voting in both states, registered voters who might not be able to make it to the polls on the dedicated election day or who just want to get their ballots cast have the chance to do that.
In Ohio, you can cast your ballot in-person at the board of elections from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Friday; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday; from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29; from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30-Nov. 1; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 2; and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3. There will be no in-person absentee voting on Nov. 4.
For West Virginians, the in-person early voting period for the general election begins Wednesday, with registered voters able to visit their county courthouses every weekday and Saturday through Nov. 2.
Ohio residents are taking advantage of early voting. According to the office of Secretary of State Frank LaRose, as of Friday morning, 433,413 Ohioans had participated in early in-person voting. Another 234,786 already had returned absentee ballots. In Jefferson County, 2,542 registered voters had participated in early in-person voting, while another 2,491 had returned absentee ballots.
Harrison County voters had cast 497 in-person votes and had returned 403 absentee ballots; Carroll County voters had cast 923 in-person votes and returned 823 absentee ballots; Columbiana County residents had cast 3,367 in-person votes and returned 1,745 absentee ballots; and Belmont County residents had cast 2,273 in-person votes and returned 2,558 absentee ballots.
While much of the attention has been centered on the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, there are other contested races appearing on area ballots that deserve attention and consideration.
For example, there are contested Senate races in Ohio and West Virginia; West Virginians will be choosing a new governor; House seats are contested in Ohio and West Virginia, as are seats in the legislatures of both states.
Locally, Jefferson County voters will see contested races for two Jefferson County commissioner seats and the clerk of courts. In Hancock County, residents will find a contested race for sheriff, while Brooke County voters will see contested races for sheriff and county commissioner.
In Weirton, which is divided between Brooke and Hancock counties, city voters will be asked to make their choice for mayor and seven members of City Council.
Plus, voters in Jefferson and Hancock counties will find issues and levies to consider.
Voting has never been easier, and whether you participate through the traditional absentee process, take advantage of early in-person voting or head to your local polling location on Election Day, it is important for all registered voters to let their voices be heard.