Yes, we know a lot of you are fed up with politics or just anxious and terrified about what’s going on and trying not to pay attention.
But there IS something you should pay attention to, even if it’s not high-profile and exciting: local elections, with primaries September 9 and a general election in November. Now, in this off-off year only a handful of states have high-stakes elections with national implications—only Viriginia and New Jersey have elections for governor and there are no congressional elections this year, save for a handful of special elections, none in Ohio. Still, it’s a good idea to get into the voting habit, so you’ll be ready when it matters a LOT.
It’s often the elections closest to home have the most direct impact on your everyday life, and northeast Ohio municipalities are electing a lot of mayors and city councilpeople. The highest profile races are in Cleveland, where Mayor Justin Bibb is running for reelection, and all city council seats are on the ballot. But regardless of where you are, you may have good candidates and bad candidates for those offices. You should learn who they are and have your say.
Voter registration for the September 9 primary is August 11; early voting starts the next day. ALERT: keep in mind if you want to vote early at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, it’s no longer at East 30th and Euclid Avenue. It’s moved to the former Plain Dealer Building on Superior between East 18th and East 21st — there are signs!
Your last day to request an absentee ballot is September 2; the last day to have it postmarked in September 8. If you’re unclear about what will be on your ballot and want to do some advance research (always a good idea), go to your county BOE website. In Cuyahoga it’s https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov. If you don’t vote, don’t complain when the mayor won’t listen to you!