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by Lynn Snyder

After all the advertising, campaign stops, newspaper editorials and talk at the coffee shop, it’s time to make a decision about which candidates and issues you will vote for on Election Day 2004.

The Oct. 11 Buckeye Farm News included an election guide that told about the offices up for election and who earned "Friend of Agriculture" designations. Please review the information in the guide as you prepare to go to the polls.

Some updates also have been added to the Ohio Agriculture Votes Web site, according to Ohio Farm Bureau Director of Political Education Deering Dyer.

A sample ballot is available. Dyer said a program exists at www.ohioagriculturevotes.org that allows voters to create a personalized sample ballot. Voters enter their nine-digit ZIP code and the Web site will bring up all the races in that person’s location, from the presidential race to county races. Dyer said voters can complete their selections and print out their own sample ballot to take with them to the polls.

Also new is a "blog." A Weblog is a frequent, web-based publication that is a compilation of a person’s thoughts and ideas. The Ohio Agriculture Votes Weblog provides news and opinions from an agriculture point of view.

The concept of blog has grown as a way to have more personal dialogue with members, constituents and customers. Even the presidential candidates have blogs on their respective Web sites.

A unique component of a weblog allows bloggers to respond to the author of an article. You can post a comment providing your own insight into the issue being discussed. Dyer said a successful blog depends on repeat visitors and frequent comments to articles. If you wish to comment to a post, simply click on "comments" at the article. You will be prompted to register so you can post your comment.

Once Election Day arrives, you have reviewed the Election Guide, completed a sample ballot and reviewed the Weblog, you are ready to cast your vote. The Ohio Secretary of State’s office offers the following information:

• If you don’t know where to vote, you must call your county board of elections.

• If you can’t make it to the polls, you may vote by absentee ballot only if you are in the hospital with a medical emergency and the request for an absentee ballot is made before 3 p.m. on Election Day.

• If you make an error when voting, let a poll worker know. He or she can assist you in recasting your vote properly.

• If you are confused about how to use the voting equipment, ask a poll worker. If you can, before the election, contact your county board of elections and ask for written instructions on how to use the equipment if you do not know how or feel less than confident in using it.

• No one is allowed to stand in the voting booth with you; however exceptions are made for voters who declare illiteracy or a physical infirmity. They can receive the help of two election officials of different political parties in the booth. If the voter is obviously physically disabled, a near relative can assist.

• If you are still standing in line at 7:30 p.m. when the polls close, the poll workers must allow you the opportunity to vote if you are waiting in line at your correct polling location when the polls close.