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Today is the day. If you have not already done so, it is time to weigh in on decisions that will affect every level of our government. From our schools and libraries to the U.S. Senate, what is decided today could be felt for years to come.
It seems as though the sense of urgency has already taken hold for some, as West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner's office reported 169,350 early and absentee ballots were cast in the early voting period. That's an astounding 24% increase over the number of early ballots cast in 2022.
Ohio, too, is seeing massive increases in early voting -- though that may have something to do with it being a gubernatorial election year.
"Ohioans crushed the 2022 early voting record for a gubernatorial election," said Secretary of State Frank LaRose. "Ohio is the gold standard, and I'm proud that we are seeing yet another record-breaking year. Now let's finish strong on Election Day!"
Indeed, the job has just begun.
If the early voting totals around the Northern Panhandle are any indication, today's general election has been one of great interest to this community.
Ohio County Elections Supervisor Erin Allietta said that her county saw more than twice the early turnout for the general election than she did for the May primary, 3,374 early voters to the 1,184 in May. Hancock County was much the same, jumping from 705 early primary voters to 1,646 early general election voters.
That early voter total in Ohio County represented a little more than 12% of the 27,418 registered there. In Marshall County, nearly 13% of registered voters already cast their ballots --2,567 out of 19,926.
Those numbers are great for early totals. They also show that 88% of registered voters in Ohio County and 87% of registered voters in Marshall County still need to make their voices heard.
Polls are open until 7:30 p.m. today.
If the increasing desperation (and ubiquity) of political ads in recent days has shown us anything, it's just how much YOUR voice is needed. This isn't about them. It's about us -- it's about the people we want to represent us, and the issues we hold dear.
Check your polling place, grab your ID, (ditch the political hats and clothing), and be sure your voice is part of the conversation.
Social media doesn't count. No one is watching you vote, and you're not obligated to tell anyone else what you chose. Fulfill your responsibility to yourself, your community, your state and your country.
It will all be over tomorrow and we will not get another chance.
Vote!