Making your voice heard in local elections

There’s a general election coming up Nov. 5, but you won’t find a presidential or gubernatorial race on the ballot. We’re hoping that the absence of those contests won’t result in a sparse voter turnout.

But we have to wonder, especially after reading a recent News-Herald story which focused on an analysis of voter participation throughout the region.

The story showed that when it comes to attracting voters to the polls, nothing drives up turnout like a race for president of the United States.

Analysis by The NewsHerald showed that in Lake County, 67.56 percent of the county’s population is currently registered to vote. And, among those, 71.2 percent participated in the 2016 general election, which saw Donald Trump elected president.

Geauga County has a higher percentage of registered voters at 71.46 percent. This also translated to higher participation in the 2016 elections, at 77.28 percent.

It’s no surprise to us that the 2016 election, headlined by a presidential race, brought out so many voters.

After all, it’s hard to match the national media’s coverage of a presidential election. And these days, news about a presidential election campaign seems to be cranked out 24/7, and not just by TV and newspapers, but an array of Internet sources, as well.

The 2018 Ohio governor’s race between Mike DeWine and Richard Cordray also attracted a respectable percentage of voters, although not rising to the level of the 2016 presidential contest.

According to The News-Herald’s analysis, 61.68 percent of Lake County voters cast ballots in the 2018 midterm elections, which saw Ohio elect DeWine as governor. For that same race, 64.9 percent of Geauga County voters turned out to the polls.

Now, let’s shift gears and ask: What will the turnout be in Lake and Geauga counties for this November’s election? There won’t be a presidential or governor’s race at the top of the ticket.

Instead, this election will focus on local government offices, such as mayor, city or village council, township trustee and school board. Levy and charter issues also will be on the ballot.

Granted, these elections don’t always produce the razzle-dazzle of a presidential contest, but if you have the opportunity to decide races for local government seats or ballot issues in your community, we urge you to do so.

For anyone who has doubts, remember this: People who hold offices such as mayor, city council or township trustee can propose policies or vote on issues that will affect your life — ranging from what you can do with your property to how your tax dollars are spent. With that being the case, we believe that it makes sense to research who is running for elected office in your community, and find out where they stand on the issues.

If you need to do your homework, we have some ideas on how to get started.

First, check out the elections board website in your county to find out the candidate races and levy issues for which you’ll be able to vote.

Then, go back on the internet (go to your local library if you don’t have a computer) and see which candidates in your community have a website or Facebook page. These are good places to check out each candidate’s platform and see how it conforms to your preferences.

Also, keep an eye on your mailboxes and doorsteps this fall to see if candidates produce any brochures, fliers or other printed material on what they’ll do if elected.

In addition, The News-Herald will be featuring preview stories on contested candidate races, as well as ballot issues, leading up the election.

Same advice applies for levy, sales tax or charter issues. Know what you’re voting for and see how it will affect your wallet or other aspects of your life.

There’s an old saying that professes if you don’t vote, you don’t count. On that note, we urge all registered voters to participate in local elections this fall. If you’re not registered you have until Oct. 7 to do so. Election Day is Nov. 5, but starting the day after the close of voter registration, you can request and vote an absentee ballot.

Voting is the best way to make sure your voice is heard when it comes to how your local government should operate.

... if you have the opportunity to decide races for local government seats or ballot issues in your community, we urge you to do so.