Democracy Watch

By
TCP Staff
-
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Make your voice heard.

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There are many changes with the new Presidential administration. Mass layoffs and terminations, a changed world view, decreased or eliminated funding for decades old programs, round-ups of immigrants and more.  Some citizens are pleased with these changes, while others are disappointed or angry.  The current situation has given rise to a number of questions, seeking answers and clarification. So, how can a citizen in our representative democracy convey their views to the individuals that we elected?

Vote

Key Dates for Ohio’s 2026 General Election

The Ohio Secretary of State is reminding voters and community organizations to prepare for the 2026 General Election on Tuesday, November 3. Key dates include:

  • Monday, October 5, the voter registration deadline.
  • Tuesday, October 6, when early in-person voting and absentee voting by mail begin.
  • Tuesday, October 27, the deadline for county boards of elections to receive absentee ballot applications by 8:30 pm.
  • Tuesday, November 3, General Election Day. Polls will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Voters can find registration information, voting options and election resources at VoteOhio.gov.

Lucas County Residents Can Apply to Serve as Poll Workers

Residents interested in helping administer the November 3 General Election can apply to serve as poll workers through the Lucas County Board of Elections. Poll workers help operate polling locations, assist voters and support Election Day procedures. Applicants must meet Ohio’s eligibility requirements, and selected workers must complete paid training. Those interested in serving can learn more and apply through the Lucas County Board of Elections website or the Ohio Secretary of State’s poll worker resources.

Take Action

No Kings: Vote Early 

Community members are invited to gather at Monroe and Talmadge from 10 am to noon Saturday, October 17, for a nonpartisan voter participation event. Participants can bring pro-democracy and voting signs, make noise and encourage early voting along Monroe between Harvest and Flanders. Those unable to attend are encouraged to drive by and honk in support. Attendees should respect traffic and private business parking.

Protest

Generally, local protests are planned and occur quickly so the best way to learn about them is online. Various member-only Facebook groups facilitate local protests and inform about national events. For more up-to-date information, check websites, Facebook pages, Instagram, Reddit, etc. Consider joining some of these local groups, working to make their voices heard: 50501, Toledo Troublemakers, Red, Wine and Blue, Michigan Women for Democracy, Toledo Persists, Mockingjay Movement, Moms for Social Justice, Working Families Party Ohio and League of Women Voters of Toledo Lucas County.

The American Civil Liberties Union provides guidance for safe and legal protesting.

Ohio Democrat Caucuses 

The Ohio Democratic Party’s Caucuses are volunteer-led, statewide organizations that reflect the state’s rich diversity. These groups advocate for key issues and mobilize voters, often through local chapters and affiliates. Active caucuses include the Women’s, Hispanic & Latino, Veterans, Pride, Rural, AAPI, Young Democrats, Young Black Democrats and College Democrats. Each caucus offers opportunities for engagement, leadership and community-building. Interested individuals can sign up directly through the Ohio Democrats’ website.

Funding

You can make donations to organizations and individuals who have platforms and beliefs consistent with and supportive of your views. Consider who is taking action for what you want to happen.

Boycott

Boycotts may be effective to convey a message. To find information on current boycotts, visit ethicalconsumer.org/ethicalcampaigns/boycotts.

Advocate

Looking to get involved in advocacy at the national, state, or local level? These organizations offer resources, action alerts, volunteer opportunities and ways to stay engaged on issues ranging from church–state separation and secular values to education policy, civil rights, and community organizing.

National organizations

Ohio-focused advocacy

Local Toledo-area groups

Contact

You can call and/or write your representatives. Both State and Federal Elected Representatives ( Senators and Representatives) can be contacted for information and clarification, as well as to make your opinions, as a voter, heard.

Federal Representatives

U.S. Senate:

Senator Bernie Moreno
DC Office : SR-B33 Russell Building, Washington DC 20510; 202-224-2415
Columbus Office: 200 N High St # 618, Columbus 43215; 614-469-2083
moreno.senate.gov

Senator Jon Husted
DC Office: ST-198 Russell Building, Washington DC 20510; 202-224-3353
husted.senate.gov

U.S. House of Representatives:

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (Ohio’s 9th Congressional District)
D.C. Office: 2314 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-4146
Toledo District Office: 1 Maritime Plaza #600, Toledo, OH 43604; (419) 259-7500
kaptur.house.gov

Congressman Bob Latta (Ohio’s 5th Congressional District)
D.C. Office: 2467 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-6405
Bowling Green District Office: 1045 N Main St, Suite 6, Bowling Green, OH 43402; (419) 354-8700
latta.house.gov

State Elected Representatives

(Not certain who your representative is?  Visit legislature.ohio.gov/members/district-maps and enter your address to find your State Senator and Representative)

Ohio State Senate:

State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (11th Senate District)
Columbus Office: 1 Capitol Square, Ground Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-5204
ohiosenate.gov/paula-hicks-hudson

State Senator Theresa Gavarone (District 2)
Columbus Office: 1 Capitol Square, first floor #138, Columbus 44215; 614-466-8060           ohiosenate.gov/theresa-gavarone

Ohio House of Representatives:

Representative Elgin Rogers, Jr. (District 42)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-1418
ohiohouse.gov/elgin-rogers

Representative Michele Grim (District 43)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 10th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-8010
ohiohouse.gov/michele-grim

Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari (District 75)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-8104
ohiohouse.gov/haraz-ghanbari

Representative Josh Williams (District 44)
77 High St 11th floor,  Columbus, OH 43215; 614-466-1418
ohiohouse.gov/josh-williams

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