CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (DimpleTimes) – Secretary of State, Frank LaRose visited the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center earlier this afternoon.
A voter registration table was set up in the lobby to encourage the students of Ohio Christian University to consider registering to vote so that they could be a voice in any of the upcoming elections, and Frank was able to speak before the students to touch on what the Secretary of State does for the election, the power that a voter can have in shaping the government, and how they’re working on updating their cyber security.
“Really, what a powerful thing a vote is – the opportunity to choose our leaders is something.” Frank shared with me, when asked about the importance of voting.
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Why is it so important to be registered to vote? Many folks might be asking this question right now, as election signs are popping up for the upcoming general election on March 17th – but what many don’t realize is how easy it is to take so many things that we have today for granted – including the ability to vote.
Frank delved into our countries past to really shine a light on why he thinks being prepared and registered to vote is an important thing for the younger generations to consider.
“We’ve had the ability to vote here in the US for about 240 years but as we know for more than half of our history, we didn’t do it right. Because people of color were excluded and it was just 100 years ago, that that women finally got the right to vote.” he explained, before continuing: “It’s just this tiny snapshot in time, that free people have had the ability to choose who their leaders are.”
Frank opened up to a room full of students about a deep, thought-provoking story that might make those questioning registering finally come to a decision.
“I had the chance to see people risk their lives to cast ballots in combat zones in Iraq when the Iraqis held their first election.” he relayed what was shared just prior. “And in that case, people were coming out despite the threats of terrorists and credible threats, and they had over 70% voter turnout in that election.”
When talking about the right to vote, Frank makes it pretty clear that he feels the opportunity to vote is a remarkable thing that can make a difference – and he did what he could to remind the students of Ohio Christian University of that.
He shared about a moment where an election in Stark County was determined by the simple flip of a coin because it was at a tie.
“Somebody became the mayor, and somebody, you know, stayed a private citizen just because one person didn’t decide to go and vote on election day.” Frank admitted.
The main thing Frank wants the younger generation to be aware of is just how much they have is on the line – and how registering to vote can make a difference in their lives.
“There’s this stereotype that older people vote and younger people don’t and if you think about it, that’s kind of the opposite of logic.” Frank goes on to acknowledge: “Because these students here are just starting their careers, haven’t even started their families yet. They’ll be earning a living and raising a family for decades and decades and decades to come. And so the decisions that are being made in Washington or in Columbus, or here at the county courthouse or at the City Hall, are going to have an impact on their life for many, many years to come.”
After speaking in front of the students, Frank made it a point to visit with students in the lobby, and to be present in case they had questions while they were filling out registrations. It was clear that Frank wanted to make an impression on the students – hopefully one that would encourage them to make the decision to use the opportunity to make their voice heard.
“That’s why it’s so important that we get young Ohioans registered to vote and why we work hard at that every day in our office.” Frank closed.
The deadline to register is February 18th, 2020.