by Erin Frautschy Barrows
I’ll never forget what it felt like to wake up on November 3, 2004.
The sadness and disappointment of Senator Kerry losing the presidential election was quickly replaced by feelings of frustration and helplessness. I could not believe the injustice of what happened to voters in Ohio.
Waiting in line for 10 hours to vote? Being turned away because ballots ran out? Not enough voting machines? These were not things that happened in one of the world’s oldest democracies.
These were stories from a corrupt country, far away, where elections were regularly fixed and voting was just a technicality.
It was obvious the Secretary of State – in Ohio and in every state – was key to ensuring eligible voters have the access and information they need to exercise their right to vote. Suddenly, this down-ticket constitutional office had national relevance.
Ohio has made some serious gains since 2004, thanks in no small part the current Democratic Secretary of State. However, the seat is now vacant, and is in danger of turning back into Republican hands.
Maryellen O’Shaughnessy is fighting to keep the seat Democratic, and it’s a painfully close race. There’s no doubt that Maryellen will keep Ohio moving on the path of free and fair elections – but there’s no telling what will happen if her opponent wins on November 2.
Maryellen is an energetic and tireless candidate, who is working incredibly hard. Like a lot of candidates this year, her victory will depend on convincing voters that elections do matter, and that they need to make their voice heard on November 2.
This November 3, I’m hoping to wake up with a new memory of Ohio – one that includes the security of knowing that Ohio’s elections are safe, and that Ohio voters will continue to have equal access to exercise their right to vote.
To learn more about Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, visit www.maryellenforohio.com.
Keep Ohio’s elections safe! Support her campaign here: http://www.actblue.com/...