To the editor:
Besides voting for president and vice president, senators and representatives, there are many issues on the ballot. Some are city or township issues, but one of the most important for all in Ohio is Issue 1. We had gathered signatures earlier this year to put Issue 1 on the ballot. Voting "Yes" on Issue 1 will allow us to finally get the politicians running for office out of mapping districts in their favor. The wording on the ballot for Issue 1 was devised to confuse you. Don't be confused ... It's still a resounding "Yes" on Issue 1.
Early voting in Ohio starts Oct. 8. Life is hectic and things happen that can cause you to miss voting if you wait until Nov. 5, Election Day. There are many reasons you may want to vote early. The most important reason is that there will be long lines since this is a presidential election year and the stakes are high. You wouldn't want to be caught in after-work traffic or in line a few minutes after the doors close on Election Day.
We are fortunate in the state of Ohio to have early voting provided for our citizens. If you reside in Jefferson County, you have many opportunities to vote at the board of elections located at 500 Market Street, even on the last two weekends prior to Election Day. Please visit the Jefferson County Board of Elections on line for an early voting schedule.
All eligible, registered Jefferson County voters should have received a form from the Ohio Secretary of State to fill out and send in if you want to vote by absentee ballot. If you did not receive one you should call the board of elections at (740) 283-8522. They will mail you one. You may also register at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or any county library, but do so right away. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 7.
The last day for your absentee ballot to reach the board of elections is on or before Nov. 5. Yes, you may walk it in prior to that day. If you do wait until Nov. 5, you will have to vote in person at your precinct.
I would be remiss if I did not mention there are two county commissioner seats and one clerk of courts seat in contention. There will be articles in the newspapers, as well as interviews for radio and television for you to compare one to the other. Please, consider those who can have your best interests at heart and not those who were inexperienced as in 2020 and only got into office because they "rode the Trump Train."
Also very important are candidates for justices of the Ohio Supreme Court. This is an area that we don't think about often. The three who come to mind are Donnelly, Stewart and Forbes. These are dedicated judges who apply our laws independently as written, not for a political agenda.
Kathy Antinone
Steubenville