Make your voice count: Why voting matters for our community’s future
Election Day is more than just another date on the calendar – it is a powerful chance to help shape the future of our community. Every vote adds to the collective voice of our neighborhoods, determining not only who represents us but also which projects, policies, and resources take priority. From supporting local schools to improving public safety or enhancing community services, the impact of each ballot reaches well beyond election night.
Voting and the future of community initiatives
When we head to the polls, we’re making choices that will affect our daily lives for years to come. Voting on local measures or choosing community leaders influences everything from new infrastructure to public health programs. With each ballot cast, we’re investing in the changes we want to see around us.
How to find your sample ballot and polling location
Make sure you’re informed before Election Day by reviewing your sample ballot. It provides a preview of candidates and measures that will appear at the polls, allowing you to research and make confident decisions. You can educate yourself by visiting reliable resources, such as VoteOhio.gov, to learn about registration deadlines, voting methods, and more.
To access your county’s sample ballot – the exact same ballot you will see on Election Day - visit your county’s election website. Residents who live in Cuyahoga County can find a sample ballot here.
Finding your polling place is just as straightforward. Polling locations are based on your address, and you can locate yours by visiting the Ohio Secretary of State’s website here.
Ohio requires that every voter have a valid photo identification with him or her to vote. There are several types of valid photo ID, including an Ohio driver’s license, State of Ohio ID card, an interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV, a US Passport, US military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card, or US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card. All IDs must have an expiration date that has not passed, a photo of the voter, and the voter’s name as it appears in the Poll List or Poll Book. Ohioans who are 17 years of age and older can receive a state ID card at no cost from the BMV. More information about Ohio’s identification requirements can be found here.
Cuyahoga County’s voting legacy
In years past, voter turnout in Cuyahoga County has varied significantly, reflecting national trends. In the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout surged nationwide. More than 157 million people casted a ballot. Turnout increased in every state compared to the 2016 presidential election, including Ohio, where the turnout rate topped 65 percent. According to NBC News data, Cuyahoga County saw a turnout of about 63.4 percent.
Historically, voter turnout among low-income individuals has been significantly lower than that of their higher-income counterparts. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the 2020 presidential election, approximately 58 percent of eligible voters in households earning less than $30,000 participated, compared to about 79 percent of those earning $100,000 or more. The Brennan Center highlighted several obstacles that low-income Americans often encounter on Election Day, including limited transportation options, the challenge of finding time to vote—particularly during working hours—and the need for childcare.
“Voting is crucial for low-income individuals because it empowers them to influence policies that can directly affect their lives and communities,” Jacklyn Chisholm, Ph.D., Step Forward’s President and CEO, said. “When low-income individuals participate in elections, they contribute to the decision-making processes that can lead to social programs, education funding, healthcare access, and more.”
Historically, when low-income populations vote, they help ensure that their needs and concerns are represented in government. For example, this report by the Center for American Progress indicated that elected officials were more likely to support initiatives benefiting low-income communities when those constituents actively participated in the electoral process.
“Voting can lead to increased funding for community programs and services that directly support those in need, ultimately fostering a more equitable society,” Chisholm explained.
Research also shows that when marginalized groups, including low-income individuals and people of color, mobilize to vote, they can shift political agendas and challenge systemic inequalities.
Voting as a catalyst for change in Community Action
Voting is crucial for the sustainability and effectiveness of Community Action Agencies, which play a vital role in meeting the needs of low-income individuals and families. Agencies like Step Forward depend on diverse funding sources to operate their programs and services. According to The Center for Community Solutions, nearly $30 million was invested in health and social services throughout Ohio in 2023. This funding was sourced from federal and state governments, county property tax levies, and philanthropic grants, all aimed at promoting public health and enhancing community well-being.
This report from CCS outlines how Ohio's Health and Human Services funding is received and distributed, highlighting 61 Health and Human Services levies that will be voted on statewide. While Cuyahoga County does not have any HHS-related levies on the ballot, three neighboring counties do.
Health and Human Services funding is often linked to specific federal programs designed to combat poverty and support public health initiatives. Step Forward actively applies for and manages federal grants allocated specifically for health and human services, which include essential programs like energy assistance, the Head Start program, nutrition services, and employment training.
Federal funding often flows through state agencies that then distribute it to local organizations like Step Forward. We work closely with Ohio’s HHS department to access the funds, which are typically earmarked for community-based services that align with federal goals for health and social welfare.
To receive federal funding, Step Forward must comply with various regulations and guidelines set forth by HHS. This includes demonstrating the ability to effectively administer programs, maintain proper financial management, and report on outcomes to ensure accountability. The agency must also ensure that the services provided meet the needs of the community and adhere to federal standards.
Federal funding through HHS supports targeted programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). These programs help Step Forward provide critical assistance to low-income families, ensuring they have access to essential services that enhance the quality of their life.
Each year, HHS allocates funds to states based on various factors, including population size and the level of need within communities. Step Forward’s share of this funding is determined through state budget processes, which take into account the agency’s capacity to deliver services effectively. By leveraging federal funding through the Department of Health and Human Services, Step Forward is able to sustain its vital programs and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in need across Cuyahoga County. The agency typically serves about 30,000 people a year.
By voting, community members have a say in who represents them and how they prioritize funding for essential services, such as job training programs, utility assistance, and other support.
The power of your vote: strengthening Community Action through participation
Participating in the voting process is crucial for ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard, especially those from low-income backgrounds. By casting a ballot, individuals can not only express their preferences for local and national leadership but also advocate for the continuation or expansion of essential services provided by Community Action Agencies. A higher voter turnout can lead to more representative decision-making and ultimately strengthen programs that support economic stability, education, and health services.
Election Day is November 5
Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 5. The polls will be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM in Ohio, providing ample opportunity for voters to cast their ballots. To vote, individuals should ensure they are registered. To confirm your registration, click here.
Voters are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid long lines, especially during peak hours.
For additional information about voting in Ohio, including registration and polling details, visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website.