42 days remain until we, the citizens of these United States
of America can exercise our civil right to vote in a election. As
citizens of this country it is our responsibility that the person/s that is
placed in office to represent our desires does just that; represent our
desires.
On October 9th 2012 the registration period will close
and those who are not registered to vote will not have the opportunity to vote
in the 2012 election. It’s imperative that you not only get registered to vote
but you actually get out to the polls and vote. There are several ways that you
can register to vote. If you live in the state of Ohio you may
·
Download and complete a voter registration form
online from www.sos.state.oh.us and
mail it to your county board of elections.
·
You may visit your county board of
elections
·
The local BMV
·
Local public Library’s usually have Voter
registration forms available. It would be your duty to return it to the county board
of elections.
·
Some universities or colleges have voter
registration forms available. Simply ask and you will be directed to it if it’s
available on campus. It will also be your responsibility to return the form to
the board of elections.
If you are not sure of the contact
information for your county’s board of elections please visit this link. Simply
look for your county name and all of the information will be listed underneath
the name of your county. If for some
reason you cannot use the link you want to visit the secretary of state Ohio’s
website to obtain the information. Click the link that says voter then the link
that says board of elections. http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/electionsofficials/boeDirectory.aspx#dir
In OHIO any registered voter my vote by absentee ballot. You
must first be registered to vote as well as request an absentee ballot. This link
will provide you with specific information about absentee voting in Ohio. http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/Voters/absentee/regAbsenteeVoters.aspx
Proper identification will be in your best interest when you
go out to the polls. You may have the following:
·
A current and valid photo identification card
issued by the State of Ohio or the United States government; or
·
A military identification ("military
ID"); or
·
An original or copy of a current utility bill; or
·
An original or copy of a current bank statement;
or
·
An original or copy of a current government
check; or
·
An original or copy of a current paycheck; or
·
An original or copy of a current other
government document, other than a voter registration acknowledgement
notification mailed by the board of elections, that shows the voter’s name and
current address.
Please, if you do not have an ID card go get
one! Do not rely on the alternate forms of identification. If your ID card is
expired it will not be accepted. If your address on the ID is not the same as
the address on your registration please make sure you update your ID card. You do
not want any small, avoidable problem to prevent you from casting your ballot
on election day.
Happy voting!
-Ruby Thomas Miss Black Ohio USA 2013
