National Voter Registration Day
Every fourth Tuesday in September, organizations around the country remind Americans to register to make their voice heard and vote in the November election. This past Tuesday in Ohio was a great success thanks to everyone who helped spread the word, especially the boards of elections and community partners throughout the state! 6,718 Ohioans registered or updated their registration on the online voter registration website adding to the nearly 8 million other Ohioans who are currently registered to vote.
To encourage the next generation to vote on issues and candidates that may affect the rest of their lives, the Secretary visited with students at Dublin Coffman High School to remind them that their voices matter, and that they can make a real impact on their community. The first step is to register to vote.
Similarly, the Secretary discussed Ohio’s Youth at the Booth program, whereby 17-year-old students can serve as poll workers in Ohio elections. In addition to getting paid for their service, students can also receive community service hours, extra credit in school, and a boost to their college applications.
Remind any young adults you know why it’s important to vote!
To spread the word about the upcoming elections, Secretary LaRose was happy to join Columbus news channel NBC4 from the road on Tuesday to remind Ohio to get registered to vote at VoteOhio.gov before October 4th!
Back in Akron
The Secretary was proud to return to his roots in the Akron area to learn what improvements are being made in the area and to discuss what his office is doing for local businesses and the upcoming election. The day started with a local and county leadership meeting at the Akron Zoo; the Secretary was once a volunteer at the Zoo and it is a family favorite of his girls. He continues to support the Zoo for its educational value and economic benefits in the region.
The Secretary then visited with student leaders at the University of Akron to discuss how students can have an impact on local elections and business growth in the region through internships and job placement programs. University of Akron President Dr. Gary Miller and Director of Career Services Laura Carey welcomed the Secretary.
Finally, the Secretary was able to sit down with the new Akron Fraternal Order of Police President Clay Cozart to learn about law enforcement improvements in the region and how public servants can continue to work collaboratively to keep Ohio safe. LaRose continues to stand with Ohio's police officers in support their critical mission.
Fellowship in the Outdoors
A few years ago, the Secretary came up with the idea to take community leaders on a trip to experience our beautiful Cuyahoga River and brainstorm on ideas to make Ohio an even better place to live, work, and vote. The tradition continued this week marking the fifth anniversary of Kayaking the Cuyahoga - Community Leaders River Trip.
Important Election Dates & Reminders:
- October 4: Deadline for voter registration for the November 2 general election
- October 5: Early voting starts
- November 2: Election Day
Additional Meetings
On a trip to Southwest Ohio early in the week, the Secretary stopped by the Small Business Development Center at UC Clermont College in Clermont County to meet with local business owners who have utilized the resources provided by the Small Business Development Center and the Secretary’s office when starting their business.
The Secretary was excited to stop by the Seneca County Board of Elections to learn about their preparations for early voting starting next week. Fair and accurate elections requires teams of dedicated professionals who put aside partisan differences for their mission, just like those at Seneca County and Ohio’s other 87 county boards of elections.
While in Tiffin, the Secretary stopped by the Heartbeat Hope Medical Center to learn about their pregnancy support work and discuss the Ohio Safe at Home program for survivors of abuse.
