MANSFIELD — Social media is filled with users shaking their fists and decrying decisions made by government.
But the fact is that more than 75 percent of registered voters in Richland County usually choose not to participate in primary elections that help choose those government decision makers.
— In 2024, just 23.56 percent of the county’s 82,319 voters cast ballots, according to online records available at the Richland County Board of Elections.
— In 2022, just 24.36 of the 81,163 registered voters participated.
— In 2020, just 22.28 percent of the 79,981 voters cast a ballot.
— In 2018, just 21.24 percent of the 82,309 registered voters took the time to participate.
In fact, the only exception in recent years came in 2016. In that cycle, 43.9 percent of registered voters got involved with 35,420 participating of 80,585 people registered.
What was the big draw?
More than 25,000 voted in the Republican primary when there were 10 candidates on the GOP ballot, including Donald J. Trump for the first time.
Interestingly, former Ohio Gov. John Kasich defeated Trump in Richland County with 9,121 votes (36.58 percent). Trump was second with 8,979 (36.02 percent). The former governor defeated Trump statewide in that primary, earning Ohio’s 66 delegates to the GOP convention.
The deadline to register to vote is April 6
All of that is a lead-in to point out that you cannot vote on May 5 if you are not registered.
The deadline to register to vote, or change your address or name, is April 6.
The Richland County Board of Elections office will be open that evening until 9 p.m. at 1495 W. Longview Ave., Suite 101, in the Longview Center. After 4 p.m., you must use the entrance at the lower-level back parking area at the southwest corner of the building.
How do you know if you can register to vote?
— You must be either a native U.S. citizen or a naturalized citizen of the United States.
— You must be a resident of Richland County for 30 days before an election.
— You must be at least 18 years old on or before the date of the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
Registered voters who have moved or changed their name must notify the Board of Elections office in writing or in person.
Voters currently registered in Ohio may change their address online at VoteOhio.gov, but must do so by the April 6 deadline.
In addition to the Board of Elections office, citizens may register or complete a change of address/name at the following locations in Richland County:
— Any library branch
— All city and village hall offices
— The Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office
— The Department of Human Services
— The Richland County Courthouse (Treasurer’s Office)
— All area high school offices
Registration forms may also be obtained from the Board of Elections website at vote.richlandcountyoh.gov or requested by mail.
To have a form sent by mail, contact the board office at 419-774-5530. Completed voter registration forms must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day.
Early in-person voting in the May primary begins on April 7. It’s also the first day the BOE will mail absentee ballots to the voters who requested one.
