LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — They call it an off-year or odd-year election, but election officials say it’s just as important as a presidential race.
Election cycles are labeled as even or odd depending on the year. Even years are reserved for midterm and presidential elections, while odd years focus on state and local races. The biggest difference is voter engagement, with turnout typically much lower in odd years.
“These are the elections where you decide who runs our cities, villages, and school boards along with local issues surrounding police, fire, schools, and other agencies,” election officials said.
Allen County Board of Elections Director Morgan Bode said residents who aren’t registered still have until Monday, Oct. 6, to sign up. Those who are registered but have had a name or address change must update their information by the same date or risk casting a provisional ballot.
“The purpose of the provisional ballot is, if you have moved and not updated your address, instead of your ballot going through the machine, it’s sealed in an envelope,” Bode said. “When we get it back in the office, we verify that you did not vote at your old address before we process your registration for your new address and count that ballot.”
The Allen County Board of Elections will remain open until 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, to handle last-minute registrations. Updates and registrations can also be completed online at VoteOhio.gov until midnight on the deadline.
