CLEVELAND, Ohio–Ohio State Sen. Shirley Smith (D-22) (pictured) will lead a host of elected officials, community activists and registered- and non-registered voters in Cuyahoga County in a march beginning at 1 pm on Tuesday, Oct 2, at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, 2930 Prospect Ave in Cleveland, to a block away  to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, 2925 Euclid Ave., to vote.  (Editor's Note: For more information contact Smith's Senate office at 614-466-4857)

Oct. 2 is the first day of voting in Ohio and a number  of events are underway throughout the state.

“There is nothing more important in our democracy than our right to vote,” said Smith, a Cleveland Democrat. “Starting Oct. 2, registered voters in Ohio will have the opportunity to choose candidates and decide on local and state issues.”

Others expected to participate in  the rally include Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge, South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo, University Hts. Mayor Susan Infield, Cuyahoga County Councilpersons Yvonne Conwell and Pernell Jone Jr., Community Activist Donna Walker Bown, Cleveland City Council persons Mamie Mitchell, Zack Reed, and Kenneth Johnson,  Cleveland Municipal Court Judges Pauline Tarver, Anita Laster Mays and Pinkey Carr, and Michael Houser, president of  the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Ohio Young Black Democrats

A pivotal state for presidential elections, Ohio is receiving the most news nationally because no modern day Republican has won the White House without first winning Ohio and the last Democrat to do so was the late president John F. Kennedy in 1960.

While the rally and march will  begin at 1:00 pm the activities will end at 5:00 pm at the board of elections.

Smith and the Voting Movement co-chairs invite everyone to join them at the Urban League and the board of elections..

“Early voting has many advantages,”  Smith said.  “From reducing lines on election day to allowing immobilized voters the opportunity to be heard, the early voting process is a great boon to Ohio’s political landscape."

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