Ohio Disability Vote Coalition

Oct. 15, 2010

For Immediate Release

I VOTE: AND SO SHOULD YOU

SECRETARY BRUNNER OFFERS PSA to EDUCATE AND INFORM ON VOTING ACCESS

COLUMBUS, Ohio – As we quickly approach the November 2 general election, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is inviting media to help remind Ohio voters that Election Day is the one day we are all equal and can make our voices heard through our votes. 

The core message of the Public Service Announcement campaign is to empower voters with disabilities to exercise their right to vote, regardless of any obstacles they may face.  Simply having a disability should not stop a person from voting, there is still a reason and a way one can fully participate in Ohio's democratic process.    

Between now and October 24, this PSA will be carried on many cable providers across Ohio. It is our hope that additional stations will pick it up and consider airing it as an educational component to the upcoming election.  Broadcast media are invited to air the 30-second nonpartisan public service announcement, which is available in MOV file, Quicktime file and WMV file formats (see links below). 

The ad was funded through federal Health and Human Services funding and pulls footage from a poll worker training video created to educate over 45,000 Ohio poll workers on the importance of assisting voters with disabilities.  A portion of this funding is designated for education and outreach activities.   

Links to all versions of "I Vote and So Should You" PSA may be accessed here:

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/PSAs.aspx

Early voting in Ohio continues through Saturday, October 30, the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is noon on October 30. Voters may complete an absentee ballot request form on line at our website: www.avoidtheline.org, then print, sign and mail it to their local county board of elections. 

Voting absentee in person is also an option for voters through October 30 at noon.  This link will show your where to go in your county. 

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Media Contacts:

Kevin Kidder, Media Relations Coordinator, (614) 995-2168

Luisa Barone, Communications & Media Specialist (614) 466-7691