It still surprises me that so few people take the time to vote whenever there is a special election during which no candidates appear on a ballot.

In Lake County, there were 105,822 voters eligible to vote last Tuesday, but yet only 17,164 or 16.22 percent bothered to take the time to do so.

Folks, that’s fewer than two of every 10 registered voters or barely more than three out of every 20.

I realize that people have busy lives and it does take a little bit of time to vote, but not that much. I also understand that, despite the best of intentions, the opportunity to vote is missed.

But to make it much easier to make sure our rights as citizens can be accomplished, the voting process in Ohio has expanded in recent years.

No longer is a reason necessary to cast an absentee ballot as it can be done early by voting through the mail or in person at the county Elections Board.

Of course voting remains available on election day at voters’ respective polling locations. No long lines this time.

Perhaps people didn't realize they had an issue for which to vote or worse they didn't care and took the attitude to let someone else decide.

If that’s the case, then it’s especially hard to understand when someone wants to complain about a school district or the amount of property taxes they might pay when a school levy passes or fails.

When a municipality or township has an issue on the ballot these are questions that directly impact the community where you live. Why wouldn't a registered voter want his or her input to be a part of the process?

Statewide recognition

Madison Township Beverly Getzy, a Democrat who has worked as a precinct election official in Lake County for more than 40 years, was presented the PEO Red Carpet award Thursday by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

She was nominated for the award by the Lake County Elections Board.

The Precinct Election Official Red Carpet Award is given out by the Secretary of State’s office and recognizes the outstanding service and dedication of poll workers throughout Ohio for their work in helping to administer elections in their local communities.

Filed petitions

People who recently have filed candidacy petitions in Lake County are Chuck Klco for Leroy Township trustee and Christopher L. Biro for Willoughby Hills Council at large.

In Geauga County, Michael Farrell for Claridon Township trustee, Jim McCaskey for Munson Township trustee,

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions in Lake County are Suanne Sines for Perry School Board, James R. Fodor for Painesville Council at large, and Mitch Kallay for Painesville Township trustee.

In Geauga County, Claudine Steinfurth and Michael Troyan for Auburn Township trustee; David Brockway for Claridon Township trustee; Jim Baker and Nancy Saunders for Huntsburg Township trustee; Randal C. Peterson and Lu Ann Burger for Montville Township trustee; Charles Walder for Russell Township fiscal officer unexpired term ending March 31, 2016; Erwin M. Leffel for Thompson Township trustee; Carl Sanborn for Troy Township trustee; Scott Klein and Ronald W. Wiech for Middlefield Village Council.

Deadline

The weekly deadline to submit information for this column is prior to 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Willoughby Mayor Dave Anderson, 5 to 7 p.m. May 14 at Willoughby Panini’s. See Rick Hart or Anderson.

n Fundraiser for Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 30 at S.O.S. Inc. in Munson Township. See Samide or Jacqueline Moskal.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah