Local

Sunday, October 11
Whether you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, be proud of who you are and your support for LGBTQ equality this Coming Out Day!
Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ.) This year, we will mark the 32nd anniversary of National Coming Out Day!
Thirty-two years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, we first observed National Coming Out Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.
Coming out — whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer — STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.

You have power! You can change history, seat candidates and govern policy, all with one simple act: voting. When enough people vote, they pick the winners … and losers … and seat individuals in the halls of government to enact their world view. In fact, with some exceptions, the ballot box begat marijuana legalization, from no fine no time local initiatives to ground breaking full legal constitutional amendments.  

Cannabis consumers – aka voters – carry political clout. They are passionate about their cause and oftentimes vote single issue. They push progressive agendas that radiate outward from marijuana alone.

Marijuana vote, by the numbers.

Join us ONLINE for the Free Press Second Saturday Cyber-Salon
Saturday, October 10 from 7:00-8:30PM EDT

Early voting in Franklin County began Tuesday October 6 and ends on November 2. Hours of operation are here. The Early voting location at 1700 Morse Rd is within a 20-minute drive from most everywhere within I-270 outer-belt. Based on my own experience and some friends who have voted, I was very much impressed by the professionalism and ease of voting. The Franklin County Board of Elections has taken all the necessary COVID -19 precautions. The location is large, and at every point, social distancing is greater than 6 feet, and there is plexiglass everywhere.

Voting enthusiasm is incredibly high. The location at Morse Road was formerly a Kohl's, neighbored by Sam Ash Music and a HomeBuys store that formerly was a Kroger. On the first day of voting, the line began forming at 4:30 in the morning. By the time the Board of Elections (BOE) opened the doors, the line wound all the way behind the building. Of course, voters observed social distancing and the line moved quickly, as the BOE can process 800 voters an hour. A friend of mine waited in that long line, which was a 90-minute wait.

From the Coalition on Human Needs

When Adrienne Hood joined protests on the downtown streets in the wake of the George Floyd murder, she was there mainly for her son, Henry Green, who was killed by two plainclothes Columbus police officers in 2016 who remain on the force.

“When I go into those spaces, I try to mentally prepare myself in the event I do see them. Because you just never know,” said Adrienne to the Free Press. “I don’t get into things just for the sake of being in something. I am looking to push this needle to where we need to be.”

Adrienne spent several nights and days downtown this summer protesting for her son. She has remained strong and resilient despite the tragedy her family endured four years ago. She has moved from protest to using her power to make positive change. This spring she joined #RepYourBlock and was elected as a Franklin County Central Committee member representing Ward 54.

Columbus City School Families and Teachers Call on Superintendent Dixon to improve communications, collaborate with the teacher’s union and school staff, and deploy a comprehensive survey to student caregivers before finalizing plans.

A large group of concerned parents and caretakers, including Columbus City School teachers and staff, are calling on Superintendent Dixon and the school board to reconsider their current plan for school reopening. Most concerning is the lack of communication that the Columbus City School Board has demonstrated with their recent announcement to return to school on October 19, 2020, earlier than originally announced in July and without approval from the Columbus Education Association, the local teacher’s union. This has not gone unnoticed in the district community, and caregivers and parents of CCS students are actively organizing a petition and social media campaign to amplify individual concerns and demonstrate collective support for teachers and the CEA.

Wednesday, October 7, 2020, 5:00 PM

Early Voting Begins Today!

This year...more than ever
 - you need to be an
Election Defender at the Polls

Please sign up for at least one shift to be an Election Protection Observer:

•          During Early Voting at your county Boards of Elections -- October 6 through November 2

•          On Election Day, November 3, at a polling site

•          Specific duties are to report on any efforts to disrupt or discourage people from voting.

We will reimburse for reasonable expenses

Opportunities both inside and outside the voting locations

Weekdays and weekend possibilities

Training, supplies, and Election Observer ID provided

TO SIGN UP PLEASE EMAIL: Pete Johnson, pmjohn5r@gmail.com

EARLY VOTING DATES AND HOURS
(subject to change)

October 6 -16
(Weekdays Only - Monday through Friday)
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday, October 5
Check your registration - https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/Voters/My-Registration
Register to vote online - https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/

Early voting
Oct. 6 - Nov. 2, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live

Absentee ballot deadlines
Request: Received by Oct. 31
Return by mail: Postmarked by Nov. 2
Return in person: Nov. 3 by 7:30 p.m.

Election day is Nov. 3
Registration deadlines
Online: Oct. 5
By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 5
In person: Oct. 5