Be sure to be ready to vote

Over the weekend, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose reminded voters we have passed the 100 days mark as we count down to the Nov. 5 general election. AP file photo A key series of dates came along with the reminder: Sept. 20 marks the start of military and overseas absentee voting; Oct. 7 is the deadline to register to vote; Oct. 8 is the start of absentee and early, in-person voting; Nov. 4 is the final day to postmark absentee ballots to be mailed to local boards of elections; and then from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, polling locations will be open for Election Day. Now is the time to find out whether your voter registration is valid and on the books. You can register or update registration here: https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/Polling places can change — sometimes frequently. Find yours here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/ Don't neglect to verify your polling place. A quick check revealed a surprise for at least one person in our newsroom. "Every Ohioan who's eligible to vote in this election should have a plan to know how, when and where to cast a ballot," LaRose said. "That starts with having a trusted source of election information. It might be your county board of elections or the VoteOhio.gov website maintained by our office, but it's important to make sure you double-check key info such as your polling location, your voting hours and what identification you need to show when you vote. It's also helpful to plan ahead and decide whether you want to vote early by mail, early in person or at the polls on Election Day. Now is the time to start preparing." Some monumental decisions will be made during this election — and not just the big one at the top of national headlines. Do not let a tiny minority of registered voters decide for everyone when it comes to school boards, councils, commissions, ballot issues, statehouse representation and, yes, those banner races in Washington, D.C. Do not be fooled into thinking your latest social media post gives you enough of a voice in our future. Take LaRose's advice: check your registration and polling location, have a plan for how and when you will vote, and then follow through to ensure your voice is heard where it counts. * Reach out, call For information contact your county elections board office • Erie County Board of Elections, 2900 Columbus Ave., #101, Sandusky 44870Phone: 419-627-7601 • Ottawa County Board of Elections, 8444 W State Route 163, #101, Oak Harbor 43449 Phone: 419-898-4459 • Huron County Board of Elections, 180 Milan Ave, #4, Norwalk 44857Phone: 419-668-8238 • Sandusky County Board of Elections, 2020 Countryside Drive, FremontPhone: 419-334-6180