In an election like no other, Ohioans have completed our first vote by mail election. Preliminary election results indicate turnout was down for this year’s primary with 22.65% of registered voters participating. While some of this may be due to the unusual nature of this year’s primary, some of the decreased turnout is also certainly due to the fact that there was not a contested presidential primary on the ballot since Bernie Sanders exited the race on April 8. Compared to this year, the primary turnout in 2016 was 43.66% and in 2012 it was 25.52%.
It is important to note that two OIA members who are running for seats in the Ohio House of Representatives won their primaries. Jason Stephens of Stephens & Son Insurance Agency who resides in Kitts Hill won his primary in addition to Brian Lampton of Lampton/Engle & Associates in Beavercreek. Jason was appointed to fill a vacancy in the 93rd House District in October, making this his first primary election for the Ohio House. He represents Jackson and Gallia counties, as well as portions of Lawrence and Vinton counties. Brian is running to represent the 73rd House District which includes the western portion of Greene County. OIA was proud to provide financial support to both Jason and Brian through our political action committee. Given the makeup of their districts, they should both easily win the General Election. Congratulations to both OIA members on their primary election victories.
