The Truth Staff
“Are you registered to vote?” asked state Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson as she summed up the voter engagement an education event she organized on Tuesday evening, April 1, at the Kent Branch Library.
Hicks-Hudson, however, was not just asking the overflow audience members that question, she was echoing the night’s theme of suggesting to those present how they should be addressing their family members and friends in order to help overcome the rather dismal voter turnout figures in Lucas County as the midterm primary elections approach.
Lucas County, one of the speakers recalled, had the second lowest voter turnout, among the 88 Ohio counties, in last year’s off-year election.
“Your vote is your voice and your voice is so very important,” said Hicks-Hudson as she opened the night’s event.
Last week’s voter engagement event was moderated by Christopher Scott, founder of Reach to Teach National and former executive director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, who set the tone for the evening’s discussion by noting that there are a lot of obstacles in Lucas County to improving the turnout of eligible voters to the polls – not just among young voters but among those of all ages.
The principal speaker was LaVera Scott, director of the Lucas County Board of Elections. “We are much stronger together than we are apart,” said Scott as she spoke about the issues voters should be aware of as the May 5 primary election day approaches.
LaVera Scott’s message involved a recount of what has not changed for voters as the election approaches – such as ID requirements – and what voters must be aware of , particularly if there have been any changes to their status – address or name change for example.
LaVera Scott also addressed some of the issues that are so important for honest and fair elections in which any voter who wishes to exercise her right to vote can do so without any impediments. Access to the polls is crucial, said Scott, as well as transparency in the process and a fair and accurate counting of the votes.
April 6 is the deadline for registration for the May 5 election day, or to make such changes, at the Board of Elections, she noted.
What voters should be aware of, if they plan to mail in their ballots, is the change in the mail system over the past few years. There is no longer a processing center in Toledo, so mail for Lucas County destinations, actually has to go to Michigan and back. It is taking longer than it did several years ago.
“I don’t trust the mail,” said Hicks-Hudson, bluntly. “Don’t be mailing in ballots. Vote early or wait until Election Day [and go to your polling place] with the proper ID.”
LaVera Scott stressed the importance of voters checking the Lucas County Board of Elections website. The site provides not only up to date information on voting issues and requirements but also the status on each registered voter, so issues and discrepancies can be checked ahead of time.
Also speaking at the event were Tina Butts, of The Movement, and Anita Madison, of Ohio Unity Coalition.
“We have to shake up this neighborhood,” said Butts. “We have to take back our power. Shame on us if we don’t get out here and get people to vote.”
“My question is, who are you going to engage and develop a relationship with because this whole voting thing is relational, y’all,” said Madison, as she acknowledged that those present were already committed voters.
“It’s important to call them out,” said Hicks-Hudson, as she concluded the event, and referring to friends, neighbors of those present. “Besides asking ‘how are you doing?’ you should ask ‘are you registered to vote?’”
To find out if you are registered to vote and where you should vote, go to the Lucas County board of Elections website and click “Am I Registered to Vote.”