Op-ed: Are you ready?
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Election Day is Nov. 3, but you do not have to wait in Ohio. Early voting started Oct. 6 and will continue at the Washington County Board of Election, 204 Davis Ave. in Marietta, until Sunday, Nov. 1. The hours are on the website at boe.ohio.gov/Washington.
Have you made a voting plan? Will you vote early? Will you vote by mail? If so, time is short. Will you vote on Election Day, Nov. 3? Find your polling place at boe.ohio.gov/Washington. You cannot vote at the Board of Elections on Election Day, Nov. 3.
What do you need to vote? You must be registered to vote in Ohio. The last day to register for the Nov. 3 election was Oct. 5. You need a photo ID like a driver's license, veteran ID or passport. If you do not have one of these, you can get a state photo ID at the BMV. Quick and easy.
Do you need a ride to the Board of Election? You can call the Community Action Bus Line at 740-373-7671 to request a ride Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 24 hours ahead to schedule a ride in Marietta or anywhere in Washington County. The bus fare is $1 each way in Marietta and $2 each way in the county. Half fares for riders over 65 and those with disabilities.
Have you done your homework? Read newspaper articles, watched the news, gone to a candidate's forum, listened to podcasts, talked to friends and family, and researched the issues and candidates. What issues are most important to you? Which candidate represents your views on the issues you think are most important? Make a checklist to see which candidate best represents you.
Share your voting plan so that others can learn what you have discovered. It is easy as: one -- take photo ID with you; two -- Learn about the candidates and issues; three -- vote by mail, early at the Board of Election or on Election Day Nov. 3 at your polling place. Voting is your voice. Don't let everyone else make decisions for you. Speak for yourself, vote!
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Betsy Cook, is a member of Living Democracy: Engaging Citizens, a local citizen group. Our mission is to inform and educate the Mid-Ohio Valley about how government works on the local, state, and federal levels and how citizens can be involved to make our democracy work. Join us the third Monday of each month. livingdemocracymov@gmail.com and facebook/living democracy: engaging citizens and Youtube channel Living Democracy