Central Ohio

The opposition is getting organized and ruthless in its attempt to suppress the vote in Franklin County. More than 23,000 people in Franklin County have voted early at the in-person Early Voting center in the first three weeks of October. This number surpasses 2008 figures despite the fact that we have had far less voting hours. On Monday and Tuesday alone, over 5,000 people voted early at the Early Voting center on Morse Road and it appears that 8 out of every 10 voters were Democrats. Naturally this has the Republicans worried and they are pulling out the stops to suppress this early vote.

For example, on Monday of this week two huge Romney vans with negative signs set up camp in the middle of the early vote parking lot, taking up parking spots from early voters and creating a negative atmosphere with their divisive signs. This morning Fox News from Chicago arrived to film and presumably create chaos.  In addition, three huge signs were planted along Morse Road today that say "Abortion is Baby Murder" and "Stop Sodom and Gay Mora [sic] Marriage."  The Northland Alliance was called to remove them and they did, but the signs are now being held by Romney volunteers. Be sure to read: "Illegal Campaigning by Romney Supporters Prompts Response by Sheriff at Franklin County Polling Location"

Why is this happening?  Because Republicans want to decrease turnout by changing the perception that voting is easy or a pleasant experience.  They want to increase their early vote turnout. They want to create an incident that either gets volunteers banned from distributing sample ballots or results in a negative story that suppresses the vote. We cannot let this happen.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE VOTE EARLY! Our presence at the Early Voting location will help support and reassure other voters who may be fearful or reluctant to even enter the building. We can help these people exercise their right by simply being there, voting and being friendly to all we encounter. Additionally, voting early means you free up space in line on Election Day.

Please look for a blue-shirted volunteer from the Franklin County Democratic Party who is handing out sample ballots. They have been there every hour of every day to talk with voters about the importance of voting for down ticket candidates to give President Obama the support he needs at the local level.

Columbus is considered by many as "ground zero" in determining this presidential election. We may very well be the deciding factor in reelecting our President or handing it over to Romney and his minions. Can you live with yourself if Romney wins?

Click here for directions to the Early Voting Center

Early Voting Hours:

Monday, October 22 - Friday, October 26
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Monday, October 29 - Thursday, November 1
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday, November 2
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 3
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 4
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday, November 5
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
 

You're invited to attend a Catholics for Obama reception with former Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley on Sunday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Jury Room, 22 East Mound Street, Columbus. Former First Lady of Ohio Frances Strickland and local Catholic Democratic leaders will also attend, including:

Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, Clerk of Courts
Mike Curtin, State Representative candidate, 17th House District
Jan Gorniak, Franklin County Coroner
Zack Klein, Columbus Council Member
Ed Leonard, Franklin County Treasurer
Michelle Mills, Columbus Council Member
Ramona Reyes, Columbus School Board Member
Mike Stinziano, State Representative, 18th House District

We will discuss the clear choice and the issues at stake in the 2012 Presidential election. Light appetizers will be served, and drinks will be available for purchase. Street parking is available. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Christopher Hale at chale@barackobama.com.
 

As you fill out your "vote early" ballot or head to early in-person voting on Morse Road, be sure to download and print out our handy voter guide. It lists all the FCDP endorsed candidates and issues, and lists the two Upper Arlington-specific measures we'll be voting on! Now you can be sure to vote for the candidates whose values and goals most closely match yours!  And be sure to vote Brown all the way down!

Download your voter guide here: 2012 Franklin County Sample Democratic Ballot.pdf

In 1928, Republicans pledged “a chicken in every pot.” Ninety-some years later, the GOP has forgotten that many Americans not only don’t have a chicken, they don’t even have a pot to cook it in. 

Romney says he wants to get into the Oval Office so he can strengthen the middle class by reducing the debt and maintaining tax cuts.  But trickle down economics have strengthened only the bank accounts of his millionaire pals, Wall Street traders, and special interest groups. And the rest of the 99% are suffering.

Take advantage of two upcoming opportunities to meet the new Franklin County Democratic Chairman, Greg Haas.

Join Chairman Haas for coffee and conversation.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
8:00 AM
Dempsey's Restaurant, 346 S. High Street, Columbus 43215

Join Special Guest Mayor Michael B. Coleman for a Cocktail Reception in Honor of Greg Haas, FCDP Party Chairman.

UAPA Membership Meeting
May 22, 2012, 7pm,
Upper Arlington Public Library, Little Theater.

Speaker: Mike Curtin, former editor of the Columbus Dispatch

The second edition of my book The Ohio Politics Almanac is available. Please support Maureen Reedy for the 24th House District. I’m running for the 17th House District. It is a walking poster for redistricting reform. Redistricting is at the root of so many problems we have in this state.

Join us at our next general membership meeting on Monday, April 16 and learn about progressive talk radio. Kris Roja of WVKO 1580 AM Radio will be our guest. The presentation will detail the history of progressive talk radio and what we can do to support its presence and mission in Central Ohio.

Are you an effective communicator for women's issues? How strong is your messaging ability?  "Effective Communication for Women's Issues: How Women Can Hone Their Messaging Skills" will be the special topic addressed at the Central Ohio Democratic Women's Caucus meeting Thursday, March 22, 2012, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at the Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) headquarters, 340 E.

Please contact Penny M. at 525-2476, or e-mail her directly at prmusick@vote.franklincountyohio.gov. Please include your full name, address and phone number when sending an email. For more information, visit the Board's Election FAQ page.