Ahead of the Nov. 8 general election, voters who did not believe they would be able to get to their polling places on Election Day had plenty of options. Here in Ohio they could vote early at a designated location or they could send in an absentee ballot. A record number of people took advantage of that, as measured by the voting for the statewide gubernatorial election.
According to Secretary of State Frank LaRose's office, more than 1.5 million Ohioans requested an absentee ballot or cast their ballot early in person. That's a nearly 4% increase over 2018.
"The record-setting number of Ohioans who utilized our two early voting options is great news for those hoping for shorter lines on Election Day," LaRose said.
That means Buckeye State residents were invested enough in the election to take advantage of all the ways in which they could make their voices heard, though unofficial voter turnout figures show a significant drop from the participation during the 2020 presidential election.
It is encouraging to know so many Ohioans understood the importance of our democratic process to the degree that they were willing to use non-traditional means of casting their ballots. But ready or not, another campaign and election season is right around the corner.
If you did not participate in this year's general election, perhaps the next round will pique your interest. If so, remember there are millions of Ohioans who have found a way to make their voice heard -- record numbers doing so without joining the crowds on Election Day. Your voice is important, too. Next time around, add it to the mix.