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It's an easy one to miss, given all the attention to the upcoming November general election, but for east Ohio residents, there is an important election for which early/absentee voting has already begun.
Tuesday is the vote to fill the Sixth Congressional District vacancy left by Bill Johnson's resignation. For residents of Columbiana, Mahoning, Washington, Noble, Monroe, Belmont, Harrison, Jefferson, Carroll, Tuscarawas and counties, this is the general election between the two candidates chosen in the March 19 primary -- State Sen. Michael Rulli, R-Salem, and Michael Kripchak, a Democrat from Youngstown.
The June 11 vote is to determine who will fill the rest of Johnson's unexpired term.
Meanwhile, both candidates will also be on the ballot in November, to serve a full two-year term that starts in January.
There is, then, more at stake than meets the eye, as the winner on Tuesday will be an incumbent of sorts in November.
In Columbiana County, early voting for this election continues today and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
On Tuesday, vote at your polling location between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. If you aren't sure of your polling location, check here: https://www.boe.ohio.gov/washington/precinct-and-polling-location-info/
Local voters know how important Bill Johnson's representation of us was in Washington, D.C. We must remember that, for us, the votes cast Tuesday and in November on this race may be every bit as important as the big one the whole country is watching.
Do not let those votes be decided by a minuscule percentage of district residents. Do not let this crucial choice be made without your voice. Whether it be early or on Tuesday, get out and vote.