Registering to vote is only one step in the voting process for this upcoming general election. The next important step is to research who will be on the ballot and plan who to vote for. The presidential and vice presidential nominees won’t be the only candidates on the ballot: This is a list of who will be on the Ohio ballot along with some issues they represent.
It is also critical to try avoiding misinformation. Everyone can be biased, and when it comes to news information and reporting, it is critical to consider all sides. Remember to seek out information from a variety of sources and platforms, so that each perspective can be considered. Consider checking out allsides.com to see how they balance and rate different news sources and platforms.
For U.S. senator
Senators are a part of the lawmaking branch and hold substantial power, not just in Ohio but across the nation, as they represent the state in the upper house of Congress. These are some issues both candidates have taken a stance on. Other issues discussed can be found here.
Bernie Moreno (R)
Sherrod Brown (D) running for re-elect
Environmental regulations:
Moreno- Calls for permits for new drilling of oil. Opposes the Green New Deal and believes it sets unrealistic objectives.
Brown- Wants to tighten regulations and is in favor of requiring companies to disclose greenhouse gas emissions information.
Minimum wage:
Moreno- States the minimum wage isn’t intended to be a liveable wage and the market should set wages.
Brown- Sponsored a bill in 2021 that would have gradually increased the minimum wage to $15 an hour by the end of 2025.
Student Financial Aid:
Moreno- Against the Biden student loan forgiveness and said it mostly benefited wealthy students.
Brown- Strongly urged President Biden to cancel student debt and voted against a bill that would have suspended student loan forgiveness.
For justice of the Ohio Supreme Court
The role of the state supreme court is to analyze and determine the meanings of the state constitution. The Ohio Supreme Court has full ruling in civil cases, a dispute often between one individual or company suing another, and criminal cases, when the government charges a person with a crime. The court also has the final say in lawsuits targeted at state laws and regulations. This is an important role in government that rarely is discussed. For this election, three out of the seven members are coming to the end of their term.
1. Megan E. Shanahan (R)
Michael P. Donnelly (D)
-Running for re-elect
2. Melody J. Stewart (D)
-Running for re-elect
Joseph T. Deters (R)
-Running for re-elect
3. Daniel R. Hawkins (R)
Lisa Forbes (D)
Issue One:
The Ohio map districts get redrawn every 10 years to make up for any possible population shifts. There is currently an Ohio Redistricting Commission made of politicians. Issue One is an initiative that would establish a new group, called the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission, of 15 non-politician members.
Voting Location and Building a Voting Plan
There are many polling stations near Otterbein and throughout Westerville. Yet, a hurdle for some students without cars on campus is reaching those distant polling stations. The city of Columbus has some solutions to offer these students.
According to the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) board of trustees, the fare for traveling on their buses will be waived on Nov. 5. So, students and other voters who do not have access to cars have the opportunity to reach their polling location on election day. Students can check arrival time, bus stop locations and buses’ estimated time of arrival using the Transit app.
It is also important for registered voters to know which location they’ve been assigned to cast their ballot. Using the Ohio Secretary of State department’s website, users can select the county they are registered to vote in and add their address in the search feature, and the website will inform users of where they are expected to vote on Nov. 5.
Also available on the Ohio Secretary of State's website, they offer voters a look at a sample ballot by county so voters can clearly see what will be on the ballot beforehand.
Using these resources, students can plan to vote and ensure their voice is heard in this election cycle.
