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They might not be able to vote just yet, but students were still able to experience their own Election Day. Bethany Ulrick tells us how the Electoral College came to life at Bath Middle School. Bath students from grades 4 to 8 had an assembly to watch and participate in a mock election, complete with candidate impersonators and even the Secret Service. Students and staff serving as electors from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. demonstrated how votes are counted under the Electoral College. Each state came up to declare its results until one person reached 270 votes and was chosen as the next president.

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On Election Day, Bluffton University students put their debate skills to the test during a university forum. Members of the argumentation and advocacy class debated the topic of whether to allow students to do off-site religious instruction during the school day, which is a topic that Ohio lawmakers are looking at currently. The students were assigned either to defend the issue or to debate against it. Learning the art of debating can give people a better understanding of a topic, even if they don't agree with it.

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Election Day is just a few days away, and if you are feeling more stressed or anxious lately, you are not alone. In a recently published study by the American Psychological Association, nearly half of adults say they feel more anxious compared to previous years, with 69% of respondents saying they are anxious about the upcoming election, with the nation's future, economy, and gun violence being main concerns. The study also finds that most anxious adults are not seeking mental health support, with one in twenty adults reporting suicidal ideation related to politics. 

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Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose traveled to Allen County on Friday to speak with students at Spencerville High School before Election Day. The visit is part of Secretary LaRose's "Youth at the Booth" initiative for high school students ages 17 and up. On Friday afternoon, Spencerville juniors and seniors listened to Secretary LaRose talk about how they can participate in the November election as poll workers experiencing American democracy in-person while being paid and completing any volunteer hours. Additionally, Secretary LaRose reminded those Spencerville students who will be 18 by Election Day to vote and defy any voter stereotypes against the younger population.

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House Bill 458 has been signed into law, making it a requirement that Ohioans show state-issued identification when they go to vote. Types of IDs include an Ohio driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military card. Previously you may have been able to vote if you show your utility bill or other city paperwork, but the recent passage of the bill has eliminated that option altogether.

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The Allen County Board of Elections reports that they have sent over 5,000 absentee ballots this election cycle and have received a little more than 4,000 back. So far as of Friday afternoon, 3,732 residents have cast their votes in person. Those who still have to turn in their absentee ballot must do so quickly in order to have their votes counted.