Miami University Regionals political science professor John Forren sees even more of the county's registered voters "sitting out" this election. Voter turnout could be around 20 percent, or less, he said.
OHIO POLITICS: Ohio House speaker raises big campaign money in 2019, reports show
Forren said the anticipated low turnout is "understandable" because people are busy. But even with recent voting reforms in Ohio, he said "there is still a lot that we could do to make the process of voting easier for everyone."
"Our current politics are driven by the federal level, especially presidential elections," he said. "For many voters, they are simply not engaged unless there are races at the top of the ticket."
OHIO POLITICS: Lawmaker asked to resign after Facebook post about Dayton shootings
There are 63 races on the Nov. 5 ballot, less than half of which will be contested. Elections office staff will check signatures on all petitions for office, and valid petitions will be certified at the Aug. 19 board of elections meeting.
Hamilton and Monroe will see as many as eight candidates seeking three and four seats on city councils, respectively. Madison and Talawanda local school districts each have three open seats and could have as many as eight candidates each.
Ohioans who want to vote in the Nov. 5 election has until Oct. 7 to register to vote, which can be done online with the Butler County Board of Elections or Ohio Secretary of State.
———
CROWDED FIELDS
There several crowded races in the Nov. 5 general election. Here are the most crowded races:
Hamilton City Council: 8 candidates seeking one of three seats
Monroe City Council: 8 candidates seeking one of four seats
Madison Local School Board: 7 candidates seeking one of three seats
Talawanda Local School Board: 7 candidates seeking one of three seats
Source: Butler County Board of Elections
CROWDED FIELDS
There several crowded races in the Nov. 5 general election. Here are the most crowded races:
Hamilton City Council: 8 candidates seeking one of three seats
Monroe City Council: 8 candidates seeking one of four seats
Madison Local School Board: 7 candidates seeking one of three seats
Talawanda Local School Board: 7 candidates seeking one of three seats
Source: Butler County Board of Elections
About the Author