Absentee voting up; others have opportunity today to play a part

Given all that is on today’s ballots, we’d normally encourage readers to be take the time to vote. But, as it turns out, many people already have voted using Ohio’s system of absentee ballot for any reason. Those who have yet to vote should find the time today. School districts across the area seek voter-approved money. Both major political parties in Allen County have contested primaries for the Probate Court/Juvenile Court judge position Democrat Glenn Derryberry received appointment to last November. Five Republicans are running in two separate races to win their party’s nomination to be Putnam County commissioner. U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, won a special election in December to represent the 5th Congressional District, which includes Putnam, Van Wert and northern Mercer counties. Less than three months later, two other Republicans are challenging him in today’s primary. For an inclusive list or to review the candidates and issues one last time, go to www.limaohio.com/elections.  The list of what voters face today goes on.The point is that voters have many reasons to make the time to take part in the  process today. For all the complaining people do about all these things we get a say in, too few of us play our part. That’s because too many people don’t vote.Primary election turnouts typically run lower than do those for general elections. That’s understandable. Most people don’t belong to either party; whichever way they lean politically, we still can call them independents. But, given the number of issues that are not partisan — most notably school funding and taxes — independents should find reason to turn out.And, wouldn’t you know it, some already have. Allen County Board of Elections Director Keith Cunningham last week told us a lot of independents voted early using Democratic ballots. How that affects the November vote remains to be seen. For now, at least, more people are joining the political process early.