Ohio politicians, candidates and judges were asked, “Why is voting important?”

Ohio Governor John Kasich

Gov. John Kasich said voting is important because voting is “one of the most rewarding rights as an American.”

Kasich is Ohio’s current governor and has been serving since 2011. He previously served as a member of Congress from central Ohio for 18 years and was chairman of the House Budget Committee. He most recently ran a presidential campaign as a Republican but dropped out of the race in May.

Judge Cynthia Rice

Judge Cynthia Rice said voting is important because, “It’s part of our rights and responsibilities being citizens of the United States. Not only is it important to vote for every elected official, but it’s important for people to learn information about their judges and qualifications so they vote for the right one.”

Judge Rice currently serves as the presiding judge for the Eleventh District Court of Appeals. She serves as the co-chair of the Ohio Judicial Conference’s Criminal Law and Procedure Committee and is a Democratic candidate on this year’s ballot for Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Judge Pat DeWine

Judge Pat DeWine said voting is important because, “The right to elect our judges in Ohio is a pretty fundamental right. It’s a right that when you think about it, you don’t enjoy in the federal system, you can’t vote for the U.S. Supreme Court, right, you can’t vote for any of the federal judges and many states don’t have—we in Ohio guarantee our citizens that right. Unfortunately sometimes people don’t exercise that right. They make a vote and don’t vote for the judges so I think it’s important. We as judges try to educate people about what we do and why it’s important but it’s also important citizens vote in judicial races as well.”

Judge DeWine currently serves as judge in the First District Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. He teaches law at the University of Cincinnati. He previously served as judge in the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. He running in this year’s election as a Republican candidate for Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Judge Steven Beathard

Judge Steven Beathard said voting is important and reiterated a colonial times quote once said by Winston Churchill, “Democracy is the worst form of government except for every other form,” and said, “We need to preserve our rights.”

Judge Beathard currently serves as the judge for the Fayette County Common Pleas Court in Washington Court House. He took office in 2005 and is running for re-election for a third consecutive term unopposed as a Republican candidate.

U.S. Senator Rob Portman

“In Ohio’s Senate race, there’s a clear choice between moving forward with our pro-growth policies for better wages and more jobs, or returning to Ted Strickland’s failed policies of higher taxes, more regulations, and bigger government. This election could determine which party controls the Senate, and it will certainly decide the path our state and nation takes next. The stakes are too high this year, which is why voting is of utmost importance. Together, we can keep Ohio moving forward,” said Rob Portman.

Portman currently serves as U.S. Senator for the state of Ohio and was first elected in 2010. He served in the Second Congressional District representing southern Ohio for 12 years. He is running for re-election this year as a Republican to continue serving as U.S. Senator for the state of Ohio.

U.S. Senator candidate Ted Strickland

“The right to vote is the foundation of democracy and exercising this right is the best way for Americans to make their voices heard. Civil rights leaders fought and died for the right to vote, and today we are still working to ensure that no one is deprived of that sacred right. This election, voters will determine not just our country’s leaders, but also the quality of life for our next generation. There is too much at stake in this election to stay home. I’m running against Senator Rob Portman who has been propped up by millions of dollars from special interests and that’s who he serves in the Senate — not Ohio’s working people. I want to go to the Senate to fight for working people because that’s where I came from and who I’ll always put first. Ohioans must vote in this election to show Rob Portman that Ohio is not for sale.”

Ted Strickland is a former Ohio Governor. Before his election as Governor in 2006, he served six terms as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio’s 6th District. He is running for U.S. Senate this year as a Democrat.

Quotes and information were provided by the politicians and candidates, ballotpedia.com and judicialcounts.com