Don’t ignore judicial races

Election Day is less than two weeks away. Before voting, I encourage you to do two things: educate yourself about judicial candidates and vote all the way to the end of your ballot.

Why are these requests important? First, voters know less about judicial candidates than candidates for other offices. Second, judicial races are near the end of the ballot and many voters stop voting before they make it to that point.

Make the effort

Some voters say that they don’t vote for judges because they don’t know the candidates. Others vote because of a familiar name or they simply follow a slate card. I recognize that it takes time and effort to properly investigate and vet candidates for judge. I get that. I know we are all busy. But just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean we shouldn’t all make the effort. It is so important. Judges make decisions on a daily basis that impact the lives and liberties of Ohioans.

Most voters spend more time researching what kind of products to buy online than investing time to find out more about candidates on the ballot. That’s not to say that the purchases we make aren’t important. In today’s world, we all need to be educated consumers that compare the quality of products, their style and, of course, their costs. You can use the same techniques in investigating judicial candidates.

Although Election Day is near, there is still time to do some homework on judicial candidates.

One tool at your fingertips is your access to the Internet. Here’s an idea on how to use your laptops, tablets, or smart phones to become better informed: Gather with family and friends to research the judicial candidates and discuss their experience, their record and other relevant information. Voting shouldn’t be seen as a chore. To the contrary, a voting gathering can be a fun way to debate and challenge each others’ viewpoints and learn what others know. And who says that becoming an informed voter has to be a solitary task? Ask each other questions, and share information. Consult resources such as online voter guides, candidates’ web pages, bar associations’ ratings, and newspapers’ endorsements. Pay attention to your local broadcast media and League of Women Voters chapter. The League offers online candidate information including information about local judges.

Setting an example

By involving your family in learning about candidates and voting, you are setting a wonderful example that will encourage others to exercise their right to vote.

Being informed and voting all the way to the end of the ballot go hand-in-hand.

Maureen O’Connor is chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court.