Central Ohio

Get to Know a Central Committee Candidate
Name: John Lytle
Ward: Upper Arlington 6

What is your background with the Franklin County Democratic Party?

Vote on Tuesday, November 5th. Local races and issues affect all of us more than we may realize.

Franklin County Democratic Party endorsements for your information.

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.