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The Jefferson County Fair has for many years represented the start of the fall campaign season in our region.
With this year's event -- which was reduced to a junior fair -- and the national conventions for the Republicans and Democrats finally out of the way, it's time for the serious campaigning to begin.
Like every other aspect of out lives, candidates and those who are looking for support for issues are facing rather uncharted territory as the run-up to Election Day starts to get serious. But unlike other years, it's unlikely there will not be too many face-to-face meetings and forums where area residents can have an opportunity to shake the hand of a candidate and ask him or her a question or two one-on-one.
And even though Nov. 3 is just two months from Thursday, the massive door-to-door campaigns we have seen in neighborhoods likely will be very reduced, if they happen at all, just another change brought on by COVID-19.
This is a presidential election year, and by all indications, voter turnout likely will be a little heavier than we have seen in the past. And while voters in our region are certainly interested in the Donald Trump-Joe Biden race for the White House, there are several local contests that are drawing attention.
Two of the three Jefferson County commissioner seats are open this year. In one race (to be technical, it's for the Jan. 2 seat), Republican incumbent Dave Maple is being challenged by Democrat Bob Smith.
It's the other open seat, the Jan. 3 seat, that really is a wide-open race. Tom Gentile, the Republican who has held the seat for many years, has chosen to not seek re-election, and that's set up a four-way battle and what should be an interesting race. Republican Tony Morelli, Democrat Edward Littlejohn and non-party candidates Daniel Cermak and Patrick Murphy all are seeking the position.
Another countywide race involves the clerk of courts office. The spot is open because John Corrigan, the county's longtime clerk, decided he would not seek re-election. Looking to claim the open seat are his son, Democrat Darrin Corrigan, and Republican Andrew Plesich.
On the state level, three candidates are looking to replace Jack Cera as the state representative in the 96th District. Republican Ron Ferguson, Democrat Richard Olivito and Libertarian Oscar Herrera are seeking the spot that has come open because Cera was prohibited from seeking re-election by term limits.
Republican Bill Johnson will be seeking re-election to the House of Representatives against Democrat Shawna Roberts, while Republican state Sen. Frank Hoagland will seek re-election against Democrat Michael Fletcher.
And, depending on where you live, you'll find various issues on your ballot.
West Virginia voters will be choosing a governor, as incumbent Republican Jim Justice will be challenged by Democrat Ben Salango, Libertarian Erika Kolenich and Daniel Lutz of the Mountain Party. Incumbent Mac Warner will face Democrat Natalie Tennant in the secretary of state race, and incumbent Republican Patrick Morrisey will face Democrat Sam Brown Petsonk in the attorney general race to highlight the state ballot. Republican incumbent Shelley Moore Capito will face Democrat Paula Jean Swearengin and Libertarian David Moran in the race for one of the state's Senate seat, and Republican incumbent David McKinley will take on Democrat Natalie Cline in the race for U.S. Representatives
Closer to home, Republican Ryan Weld will meet Democrat Randy Swartzmiller in the race for the 1st District seat in the state Senate. Battling for the 1st District season in the House of Delegates are Republicans Pat McGeehan and Mark Zatezalo and Democrats Ronnie Jones and Jack Wood. In the 2nd District, Democrat Phil Diserio will meet Republican Gordon Greer.
In Brooke County, the sheriff's race will feature Republican Richard Beatty and Democrat Kevin Heck. And in Hancock County, Democrat Joe Barnabei will meet Republican Eron Chek in the race for county commission, while Democrat James Davis will meet Republican Steven Dragisich in the race for prosecuting attorney.
For any of this to mean anything to anyone who wants to vote, you have to be registered. In Ohio, you have until Oct. 5, while in West Virginia you have until Oct. 13.
In Ohio, early voting will begin Oct. 6. In West Virginia, early voting will start Oct. 21.
Make sure your voice is heard this fall.
(Gallabrese, a resident of Steubenville, is executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times.)