COLUMBUS, Ohio — Early voting opened this week at the Franklin County Board of Elections, and a steady stream of voters has already taken advantage of the chance to cast ballots ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Among the first-day voters was former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Bexley, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Husted in one of the state’s most closely watched races. Several other voters described the process as smooth and welcoming, with organized lines and friendly poll workers.
Franklin Brown, 83, of Columbus’ Clintonville neighborhood, arrived with his wife Susan, saying he has voted in nearly every election since becoming eligible. He joked that sitting out isn’t an option in his house — “if you don’t vote, you can’t complain.”
Susan Brown said casting her ballot early takes the pressure off the final days before Election Day, and she is already urging her grandchildren to register and vote. Early voting continues at the Board of Elections through Nov. 1.
