OPINION: Students don’t get a say in Ohio primaries

Bryce Hoehn is a senior studying political science and an opinion columnist for The New Political.

Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.

In this year’s primary election there was only one item on the ballot: the Democratic Primary for Athens City Council between incumbent Councilmember Chris Fahl and challenger Alan Swank. Of the 721 registered voters in Ward 4, only 282 votes were cast. Swank won by an overwhelming majority of 184 votes. 

Meanwhile, Fahl seemingly did not know it was Election Day. When Athens NEWS journalist Ben Peters asked for her contact information to comment on the results, she responded saying “[Is] there a primary?” 

For many students, the first week of May is arguably the busiest week of their entire year, if not their entire lives. With finals week in the last week of April and graduation approaching, it is no wonder election turnout is so low. Under the current primary election system, it is extremely difficult for students to find time to both research candidates and turn out to vote. Being that Athens is a one party city, most Ohio University students miss the chance to vote on a range of candidates. Since the primary elections fall so close to the end of the year, voting has become largely inaccessible to those preoccupied with finals and end of year activities.

While smaller local elections may not seem as important, they play a crucial role in determining who runs the city government in one party cities such as Athens. This trend can push out progressive candidates who may be more in touch with younger people in favor of those who can appeal toward older demographics, creating a practical gerontocracy in the city. 

This trend was most apparent in the 2019 mayoral race where self-described Democratic Socialist Damon Krane challenged incumbent Mayor Steve Patterson. Krane’s campaign focused heavily on issues that affect students and those in poverty such as affordable housing. However, due to student inaccessibility in the primary, he was forced to run as an independent in the general instead, where he only received 25% of the vote. 

Had Krane been able to run in a competitive primary election, who knows how the race could have gone. I suspect there are many voters who voted for Patterson in the general due to the (D) next to his name on the ballot who may have otherwise voted for Krane had he ran as a Democrat. It is unclear whether this would have caused a significant enough of a difference to change the outcome, but it almost certainly would have been a closer race.

Unfortunately the city does not have the authority to change this election date. According to Section 3501.01(e)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code, “[p]rimary elections shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May of each year except in years in which a presidential primary election is held.”

Even if we could change the date for local elections, it would introduce further complications when it comes to statewide elections which are currently on the same day. While there is not much Athens can do to move the election day, Ohio U could do more to get student voters to the ballot box. Last year, several emails were sent to every student’s inbox from Vice President of Student Affairs Jenny Hall-Jones with election date reminders and instructions on how to vote in both the primary and general presidential elections, but none were sent this year. Those emails from Hall-Jones are informative for students, and I suspect have a strong correlation with student turnout in the election years they are sent. Sending similar email reminders for local elections would be a great way to keep bobcats informed about local issues and to remind them how they can vote as a student. In addition, Ohioans benefit from generous early voting laws, which allow students to vote in person at the board of elections up to 28 days before the election. This could be emphasized in said emails so students can get their ballots in before finals week stress.

This issue of student disenfranchisement must also affect other college towns throughout the state. The Ohio Legislature could fix this by simply changing the law to move the primary date. As I mentioned above, the May primary date only applies in years without a presidential primary election, whereas all presidential “primary elections shall be held on the third Tuesday after the first Monday in March except as otherwise authorized by a municipal or county charter (ORC Section 3501.01(2)).” This March election date could easily just be applied to every primary election in the state rather than only on presidential elections. 

This would not only fix the issue of student disenfranchisement, but it would also just be easier for Ohio residents to track. However, this does run the risk of putting the election a bit close to midterms and spring break at Ohio U, but this is still a better date overall as students aren’t moving and graduating at the same time. Ohio U could also work around the election date – or better yet, the Ohio Legislature could coordinate with universities to find a date that works best for students. Either way, the March date seems like the most practical and immediate solution as it is already established as a decent date for elections according to the legislature.

Students should have the same rights as any other constituent when it comes to voting for local representatives. We live, work and study in Athens just like anyone else during our time here. While that time may be shorter than other residents in town, it should not restrict our right to representation in city government. By drawing more attention to the issue of voting in off year elections, I hope to see an increase in accurate representation of students’ voices and the needs of younger residents in Athens.