Think your vote doesn’t matter? It does

Yes, Ohioans, one vote does matter. And that vote that could have made a difference 112 times in Ohio, may have been the one you didn’t cast.

Last November, Ohioans participated in another national election cycle – this time to choose who would serve as President of the United States, among other important offices and issues. During that election, just over 71 percent of registered Ohioans showed up to the polls. This doesn’t even take into account the number of people who were eligible to vote, but never became registered.

What’s worse is that 71 percent is actually a pretty good turnout. In 2014, the last time Ohio elected a governor, approximately 40.65 percent of voters turned out to cast a ballot and in the 2013 General Election, that number didn’t even hit 27 percent.

You may have heard the saying, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.” That may not be entirely true – choosing to not cast a ballot doesn’t negate your right as a citizen to hold differing viewpoints, but don’t forget, if you have complaints or ideas on how your community can be better, the most powerful way to express those views is to cast a ballot. Because our nation is one where, every election, we have the chance to shape some part of our government – or even strip it down altogether and start again.

Luckily, getting involved just got easier in Ohio. At midnight on Jan. 1, my office launched the all-new online voter registration system. By going to MyOhioVote.com/VoterRegistration, you can register to vote for the first time, or update your current registration.

Voting is a right, but it is also a responsibility. Make a difference today by getting registered to vote – the next election is right around the corner on May 2.

Last November, Ohioans participated in another national election cycle – this time to choose who would serve as President of the United States, among other important offices and issues. During that election, just over 71 percent of registered Ohioans showed up to the polls. This doesn’t even take into account the number of people who were eligible to vote, but never became registered.