Welcome to WYSO’s live blog for our 2008 Election Call-In show featuring Sharon Harmer from the League of Women Voters and Dr. Rob Baker, political science professor at Wittenberg University. Tune in to the 1:00pm show at 91.3 or at WYSO.org. If you would like to ask a question to our panel send an e-mail to news@wyso.org or call 937-769-1998 or toll free at 1-800-776-1998.
12:55: This is Mark Rembert from WYSO. Sharon Harmer and Rob Barker are in the studio and we’re about to begin.
1:05: For more from the League of Women Voters on the candidates and issues check out their voter guide
1:o6: Check out the WYSO coverage of Issue 6. Here are some concerned views from Wilmington on Issue 6: here, here, and here
1:10: To check out your sample ballot, go here courtesy of League of Women Voters
1:12: The League of Women Voters have been active on the taking the politics out of our judicial elections. Check out their guide to picking judges here
1:16: We just did a post on Issue 5. It is confusing, so make sure you’re confident in what you’re voting for.
1:20: From Survey USA, a few poll numbers on Issue 5 and Issue 6.
Issue 5 – Lean Yes: 32%, Lean No: 43%, Don’t Lean: 25%
Issue 6 – Lean Yes: 40%, Lean No: 54%, Don’t Lean: 6%
1:24: A lot of answers about about voting can be found at the Secretary of State website. For questions about voting with disabilities, and for information about what you need for ID on Election Day.
1:27: Don’t wait, VOTE EARLY! Also, a tip on getting through long lines. If you find yourself in a long line on Election Day to use a voting booth, you can request a paper ballot. The poll workers should have a designated location for filling out a paper ballot. Don’t be afraid to ask for a paper ballot if you can’t wait in line to vote in the booth. If you ask for a paper ballot, make sure you DON’T get a PROVISIONAL BALLOT if you’re qualified to fill out an actual ballot.
1:31: If you have to fill out a provisional ballot, you have to follow up to confirm your eligibility to vote within 10 days (make sure you get a slip with your ballot #). If you don’t follow up, your vote won’t count even if you’re qualified to vote. Check out the SoS website for info on voting with a provisional ballot.
1:38: Early voting numbers in Ohio suggest a boost for the Democrats. LA Times poll shows Obama leading McCaing 57% to 35%.
1:41: Here is the state registration database. Fill in your name and street name and find out if you’re registered. You can then go here and put in your address and get a map and directions to your polling place.
1:47: For more on issues and candidates on the Montgomery County ballot.
1:55: Speaking of down ballot, check CQ Politics for analysis of the local congressional campaigns.
They currently have the races rated as:
7th Congressional Steve Austria (R) vs. Sharen Neuhardt (D) – Republican Favored
3rd Congressional Mike Turner (R) vs. Jane Mitakides (D) – Safe Republican
8th Congressional John Boehner (R) vs Nick Von Stein (D) – Safe Republican
And of course, the Ohio Presidential Polls from FiveThirtyEight.com
2:00: Thanks for joining us today and providing us with great questions to ask our experts. If you’re still looking for info on voting, be sure to check out MyVoteOhio.com. If you encounter any trouble voting, contact the Ohio Voting Rights Institute by email at vri@sos.state.oh.us or by calling toll-free at 1-877-VOTE-VRI (1-877-868-3874).
Thanks again for tuning in and we hope you’ll continue to make WYSO your source for election coverage.
