A week from today, Ohioans will vote in what is being called the 2024 Presidential Primary Election. But many other decisions made that day will be far more important on the local level than choosing who will battle it out for the Oval Office.

March 19 will feature votes for local law enforcement leaders, judges, races for representatives in Columbus and Washington, D.C., levies and other issues (we’re talking schools, fire departments … vital parts of our community).

Absentee ballot applications must be received by boards of elections by 8:30 p.m. today. Early in-person voting runs through 5 p.m. March 17.

After that, the polls open for voting in precincts at 6:30 a.m. March 19. Absentee ballots, if not returned by mail by that time, must be received by the board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on that day as well.

If you are voting in-person, be certain you know where you will be voting. Check for polling places online or by calling your board of elections.

Do not sit out this one thinking it is “only” a primary. There is too much at stake to leave important decisions to a fraction of the eligible voting population.

In the Nov. 7, 2023, election, statewide voter turnout in Ohio was 49.63%. According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, that means 3,964,530 people decided matters for a state with a population of 11,785,935.

If you are a registered voter, fulfill your responsibility.

Vote.