Partnering with Ohio Businesses for the November Election
As the November election quickly approaches, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose remains focused on ensuring Ohioans are registering to vote and updating their voter information before the October 11th voter registration deadline.
In 2020, during a challenging election amid a worldwide pandemic, more than 50 Ohio breweries participated in the Secretary's Raise a Glass to Democracy voter registration program. In an effort to remind customers and communities to register to vote, breweries crafted “Every Vote Counts” beer, displayed posters in their taprooms, and posted on their social channels. The public awareness campaign was widely covered by local media and garnered national attention.
This public-private partnership continues for the 2022 general election as dozens of breweries, wineries and distilleries throughout Ohio have signed up to help Ohioans get registered. This week, Secretary LaRose visited Watershed Distillery in Franklin County and Father John's Microbrewery in Williams County to spread awareness for the campaign.
Watershed Distillery, Columbus
Father John's Microbrewery, Defiance
Collaborating with Ohio Business Leaders
From the moment he took office, Secretary LaRose has traveled the state to meet with business groups and leaders to hear directly from them about the successes and challenges they experience as entrepreneurs in Ohio.
This week, Secretary LaRose joined business and community leaders for a roundtable discussion with the Defiance County Chamber of Commerce, which works tirelessly on economic development efforts in northwest Ohio. They discussed strategies for maintaining Ohio's reputation as a business-friendly state and one that continues to encourage entrepreneurship and foster job creation.
Read more about the roundtable discussion at the Defiance Crescent-News.
Setting Ohio Businesses Up for Success
This week, the Ohio Secretary of State's office launched an email campaign to help arm Ohio businesses with the tools they need to succeed. Most new business start-ups are unaware of the myriad programs and resources that may be available to them, so the Ohio Business Alert initiative was created by the Secretary to help connect new Ohio businesses with information and program administrators who can help entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
The Ohio Business Alert program connects with businesses that recently incorporated with the Ohio Secretary of State's Business Services Division to operate in the state. New business startups will be provided with information on next steps to maintaining and growing their business, the array of resources that may be available to them, and important updates about how to protect their new enterprise from being scammed by the crooks and con artists who may be trying to rip them off.
Ohio Ballot Board Update
This week, Secretary LaRose convened a meeting of the Ohio Ballot Board to approve ballot language for the two proposed General Assembly-initiated constitutional amendments that will appear statewide on the November 8 general election ballot.
Ohioans will vote on two constitutional amendments:
- Issue 1: Bail Reform – directing Ohio courts on setting bail amounts and procedures
- Issue 2: Qualified Electors – mandating that only U.S. citizens can vote in any state or local election
Learn more about these proposed efforts to amend Ohio's constitution.
Ohio Business Tips and Reminders
Inflation is putting a large strain on small business owners throughout Ohio, but we have your back!
Visit Ohio Business Resource Connection to connect to resources that may help you start or grow your business.
Is your business information up-to-date?
Check your business registration and ensure your statutory agent, address, contacts, and other information are up to date.
Business identity theft is a major threat facing job creators.
Protect your business by signing up for alerts.
Election Dates and Reminders
The November 8 election will include the following races:
- Statewide executive offices, including Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer
- U.S. Senate and House
- Ohio Supreme Court
- Ohio House and Senate
- State board of education
- Local government races and issues
The deadline for registering to vote in the November 8 election is October 11. Register to vote online at VoteOhio.gov.
In Case You Missed It
Editorial: Ohio Can Brag About Election Security
Plenty of states brag about their secure, by-the-book elections and how well their elections officials stick to the rules. On at least one count, Ohio is the only state with room to brag, as it was the only state to receive a full clean audit, with no findings or recommendations, in the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s assessment of states’ use of federal grants received under the Help America Vote Act.
No other state conducted itself as well in administering the grants, which in the Buckeye State were meant to improve cybersecurity defenses, fund efforts to improve accessibility for those with disabilities and assist county election boards with COVID preparation before the 2020 election cycle.
“There should be no greater charge to any public official at any level of government service than to be responsible, professional stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said. “I am proud that the array of fiscal controls, oversight, and policies we have put in place to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars have been validated in the audit, and we will continue to be diligent in our efforts to ensure that the interests of taxpayers are always prioritized.”
He is right to be proud of his office. Taxpayers should be, too.
“The Office of Inspector General found that the Ohio Secretary of State accounted for HAVA funds in accordance with applicable requirements, properly accounted for and controlled property purchased with HAVA payments, and used the funds in a manner consistent with the informational plans that they had submitted,” the Inspector General of the EAC reported.
What a shame that it is so noteworthy for a government body to have conducted itself in this manner.
Nevertheless, those at the Ohio Secretary of State’s office who did so are to be commended. Well done.
Secretary LaRose Discusses Election Integrity with
610 WTVN's Brandon Boxer
On Thursday, Secretary LaRose joined 610 WTVN's Brandon Boxer to discuss his support for efforts to strengthen election integrity in the state by requiring a photo ID to vote. The Secretary is working with the legislature to enhance election security wherever possible, all the while maintaining Ohio's status as a state where it's convenient and easy to vote. Under the legislation sponsored by Ohio State Senator Theresa Gavarone, Ohioans without a state photo ID or drivers license would be issued one by the state at no cost.
