Register for, vote in May 8 primary

It’s hard to believe, but very soon it will be time once again to head to the voting polls. Ohio’s primary election will be held on May 8, with early voting starting on April 10.

Voters can request an absentee ballot or they can show up at the Board of Elections and vote there.

Most voters still prefer the traditional method, by voting in person at their precinct polling location on Election Day.

While the Nov. 6 general election decides who will serve as our government representatives, the primary is also important because it affiliates registered voters with a political party.

Political affiliation is determined by the party ballot a voter requests in a primary election.

And in Geauga County, primary elections are only held in even numbered years. You will also be given the opportunity to vote in the primary for a Central Committee member who, if elected by a majority, will represent your voting precinct in the county political party.

If you’re not sure if you’re affiliated with a political party, you can look up your voting record online at the Geauga County Board of Elections website.

There is still time to change your registered voting address if you’ve recently moved or if you have changed your name.

But you’ll need to take action soon as the deadline to do so, April 9, is fast approaching. That is also the last day to register to vote in the primary. Teenagers can vote in the primary election as long as they are 18 years old by the general election date on Nov. 6. However, they are excluded from voting on issues and for Central Committee members in the primary.

Sometimes, there is extremely low voter turnout in primary elections, which is unfortunate.

This year, there are contested primary races locally, regionally, and at the state level which will decide which candidates will move onto November’s general election. If you like to have choices, you certainly will have some this primary election.

I hope that you have a better understanding of the importance of primary elections and I encourage you to do your civic duty by voting in the May 8 primary. Nancy McArthur Chairman Geauga County Republican Party