What if I told you that there was one single thing that you could do to make a big difference in Athens County? To promote positive change? To take care of your family, friends, and neighbors? To build a stronger community, a stronger economy? To change systems, address needs, and pursue opportunity? Would you do it?
You have the right to vote, and your vote matters. Participating in elections is one of the most powerful ways you can contribute to Athens County.
Many of you already vote. In fact, voter turnout in Athens County during presidential election years averages about 63% of registered voters. In all years, it averages 40%, and our county has maintained those turnout percentages for decades.
However, we have a voter registration problem.
While the population of people who are eligible to vote has not changed much in the past two decades, the number of people registering to vote is declining. In 2009, 95% of those eligible to vote registered, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2023, only 77% of those eligible to vote registered.
That decline in registered voters amounts to about 9200 people. To put that in perspective, that would be if the entire populations of Albany, Amesville, Chauncey, Coolville, Nelsonville and Trimble plus an additional 1900 did not vote. That is a lot of interests that are not being represented.
To vote is to be part of the decisions and policies that influence your life and the lives of those you care about. It is the primary way that citizens can make their interests, values, and needs known. Every year, you have the chance to weigh in on local, state, and federal issues and elect officials to represent you. The results from campaigns have a direct influence on our county.
To vote is to be an advocate. As a voter, you make your voice heard. You put your opinions, values, and expectations on the record. Ultimately, public policy requires the will of the people. This is how systems change. This is how people are uplifted and gaps are closed. This is how communities, economies, and conditions strengthen so that everyone can thrive.
To vote is to hold government accountable. Our leaders must know that citizens are engaged, ensuring that promises are kept. This helps to keep the officials who are representing you connected and informed. When more people are participating in civic matters, like voting, the resulting policies are more likely to serve the community.
To vote is an act of commitment to Athens County. By turning out to vote, you signal that the county, its people, and its future are important to you. It’s a way of investing in our region and taking ownership of its future. Just as we celebrate volunteering and giving, civic participation strengthens a community.
People question whether voting even matters. And no doubt there is a lot of noise around this time of year. But the facts are clear — high civic engagement is critical to the strength of a community. Your vote will impact you and your community, so every election day matters.
If you are not registered to vote, it only takes a few minutes. The deadline for voter registration in Ohio is quickly approaching — October 7. If you are not registered to vote, please do so. Visit the Athens County Board of Elections for more information about voter registration: boe.ohio.gov/athens or call 740-592-3201, or stop by 15 S. Court St, #130, in Athens.
Your vote counts and makes a big difference in Athens County!
