By: Anne Trinh, Senior Program Manager, Addiction Innovation Fund, OSU College of Public Health
Nearly 100 years ago, on August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote and representation. In 2016’s presidential election, women accounted for 55% of the electorate. Additionally, the number of female voters in recent elections has exceeded the number of male voters.
As an immigrant and a woman of color, I exercise my right and privilege to vote with diligence and respect and admiration for the many activists that made it possible. This October, I plan to vote early in person in Franklin County, which starts October 6; some of my friends will be voting early via mail. Given public health concerns regarding COVID-19, managing work and personal responsibilities, or just surprises of life, I deeply appreciate the options for early voting we have in Ohio.
When I vote, I consider what’s best for my community locally and statewide, which might not be what’s best for me, and vote for our collective good, not individual wants. I try to pay attention to disparities in health and well-being as well as issues concerning the environment. I vote for myself and for what I believe can contribute to safe, healthy, and thriving communities throughout Ohio and the country.
Let’s make this year’s turnout better than all the previous years!