The importance of Election Day in Athens

Photo via: Eva Ludke

Election Day is rapidly approaching. Students and community members alike have the opportunity to say hi to Pumpkin and make their voices heard at the polls on Nov. 5. 

Some Ohio U students believe Election Day should be an academic holiday, allowing students to vote Nov. 5 without class conflicts. In 2022, the Student Senate passed a bill (2223-02) to make Election Day an excused absence. The bill cited information regarding low voter turnout, particularly for young voters. Making it easier for some to find time to vote allows more people to make their voices heard, and a democracy cannot function without participants. 

By making Election Day free of classes, the university could promote student civic engagement, the bill argued. Students could be poll workers, a role that is both necessary and in-demand. It can even pay around $100 to $150, according to the Secretary of State’s “Poll Worker FAQ” resources.

Although the bill passed, the university never implemented the policy. However, according to University Spokesperson Dan Pittman, Ohio U is “committed to promoting and encouraging civic engagement” and provides “numerous informational and outreach resources to help ensure those across our University community are informed, involved and able to effectively cast their vote.”

Pittman cited opportunities for early voting and absentee voting as accessible ways students can make their voices heard. He described Ohio U as having an “ongoing commitment to fostering a civically engaged community as part of this year’s election cycle.” The university’s website includes links to voting information and resources as well.

Some professors cancel class on Nov. 5 regardless, encouraging students to exercise their civic duty. Obstacles between American citizens and the polls have historically been weaponized to disenfranchise the marginalized. Enabling more people to have additional time to vote mitigates such barriers.

Two candidates for the 95th District seat of the Ohio House of Representatives, Rep. Don Jones and Dr. Micah McCarey, attended a student-hosted “Meet the Candidates” event Oct. 8 to answer student questions, as well as discuss their political stances and goals. When asked about Election Day becoming a school holiday, the candidates offered conflicting answers. 

McCarey stressed the importance of civic engagement and was particularly passionate about student engagement and leadership development, due to his experience as an Ohio U alum. McCarey began his involvement in local politics as an undergraduate student on the Athens City Council’s Community Relations Commission, which provided him the opportunity to appreciate and directly give back to the community.

McCarey acknowledged the reality that by establishing a holiday, many students may not treat Election Day for its intended purpose–some students may not vote, or may not be likely to spend their day “engaging in dialogue about what they want to see for the future of our state or society.” 

“But, for those who are in communities where those opportunities are made available to them, and they’re encouraged to serve and work at the polls…it seems like it would bring a greater level of respect for the importance of our democratic process,” McCarey said.

Alternatively, Jones argued that Ohioans have nearly a month leading up to Nov. 5 where early voting is available. Approaching the issue from an employer’s standpoint, Jones said “I am not in favor of giving people another day off of work to go do something that takes a whole five to ten minutes, and that they can do anytime.” 

The League of Women Voters advocates and provides resources for voters in the Athens area. During a presentation at a meeting for Ohio U’s PAVE chapter, they discussed steps to take as Election Day approaches. They encouraged students to research the issues on the ballot and review information from credible sources, along with talking to other people and evaluating personal beliefs. 

The League of Women Voters also provided a list of resources. VoteOhio.gov allows users to check their polling location and early voting hours. Residents of other states can find similar information on Vote.gov or via their Secretary of State. Sample ballots are also available through these resources, enabling voters to review the issues and candidates.

Sources that provide breakdowns of candidates’ positions and pertinent issues include Ballotpedia.org, Guides.vote and Vote411.org. Another resource is “Election Protection,” a coalition that can help with certain voting problems and can be reached through 866ourvote.org or (866)-687-8683.

For those intending to vote by mail, Ohio’s deadline for submitting a ballot request form is Oct. 29. Ballot request forms can be found on VoteOhio.gov, and they are also provided for students at Ohio U’s Student Senate Office in Baker Center. Voting by mail requires a copy or card number of a valid ID, or the last four digits of the voter’s social security number. The ballot will arrive in the mail and, when filled out, should be mailed to the voter’s home Board of Elections. It must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and received by the Board of Elections by Nov. 9. Ballots can be tracked online.

On Nov. 5, the polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early voting hours vary by location. Prospective voters must bring a valid photo ID.