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by Amy Beth Graves

Just two days after Ohio residents voted last November for president and state and local issues, the 2006 governor's race unofficially kicked off with one candidate calling for the streamlining of state government. Since that day, gubernatorial candidates have been actively campaigning and several have talked at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) functions.

With such an early start to the 2006 gubernatorial race, OFBF has been working hard at updating the Web site, www.ohioagriculturevotes.org, which provides information about issues important to agriculture, including next year's gubernatorial race.

"It's one-stop shopping for this fall's ballot issues as well as the gubernatorial election next year," said Tracee Swank, director of OFBF's political education. "We want to make sure we have an educated voter base. Right now it's a work in progress, but we plan to make it as comprehensive as possible."

The Web site explains how to register to vote and provides information about candidates in state and local races. It has information about topics such as Ohio's budget situation, land use, federal energy policies and estate taxes.

The Web site details the five statewide ballot issues that residents will vote about on Nov. 8. Issue 1 is a $2 billion bond package for infrastructure and high-tech development. Issue 2 would remove restrictions for absentee voters while Issue 3 would limit political contributions to $2,500. Issue 4 would create an appointed panel to draw legislative districts, and Issue 5 would create an appointed board to oversee Ohio elections.

Because the ballot issues are complicated, the Web site provides a question-and-answer guide, as well as background information on each issue. The Web site also will provide a link to the actual ballot language, which is several pages long, so voters can read it before they step into the voting booth.

"These ballot issues are very important because they'll help shape the structure of our government and what happens in 2006 and beyond," Swank said.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, www.ohioagriculturevotes.org will contain pertinent information about the candidates, including their backgrounds and stances on issues important to the agricultural community. Announcing their candidacy so far are Republicans Ken Blackwell, Betty Montgomery and Jim Petro and Democrats Michael Coleman and Ted Strickland.

"The 2006 election is going to be a big one for Ohio. We want our members to be as informed as possible," Swank said.

She encouraged people to take advantage of the Web site's "blog," noting that it is an effective and informal way for them to become more aware of issues or concerns.

"It gives our members another grassroots way to be involved in the legislative process," she said. "It's a good way to post your thoughts and ideas."