Community Event: Ohio Primaries, Voter Participation, and Civic Engagement

March 25, 2026 - Aurora Aurora Schools Kohanski Center 119 W. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OhioAURORA, Ohio – The League of Women Voters of Northern Portage County (LWV-NPC) is hosting a community webinar watch party and roundtable titled "The Election Before the Election: Ohio Primaries" on March 25, 2026, at the Aurora Schools Kohanski Center. This event aims to educate voters on how the primary system functions, the specific challenges facing voter participation in Northeast Ohio, and how individual civic engagement strengthens local democracy.Understanding the Importance of Ohio PrimariesOhio Primaries serve as the foundational gatekeeper for the general election, yet they often see significantly lower turnout than November contests. According to the League of Women Voters of Ohio (LWVO), these elections determine which candidates will appear on the final ballot and often decide the winners of nonpartisan judicial races or local levies. By attending the March 25 event, residents can learn how the primary system impacts the political landscape of Northern Portage County and the broader state of Ohio.Webinar Insights into Voter Participation and DemocracyThe evening features a recorded presentation by LWVO Communications Director Elisabeth Warner and Voter Service Coordinator Heather Nye. The presentation explores the structural hurdles to voter participation and explains why Ohio Primaries are essential to a healthy democratic process. The LWVO emphasizes that a "positive force" in civic engagement begins with understanding the specific rules governing Ohio’s partisan and nonpartisan primary ballots.Local Roundtable and Community Impact in AuroraFollowing the screening at the Kohanski Center, the LWV-NPC will facilitate a roundtable discussion focused on how these statewide issues manifest within the communities of Aurora, Hiram, and Mantua. This session allows citizens to ask questions about the upcoming spring primary and discuss advocacy strategies. The LWV-NPC, a nonpartisan organization, continues to work across Northern Portage County to increase public policy understanding without endorsing specific candidates.Approximate schedule 6:15 PM: Doors open, seating begins 6:30 – 7:30 PM: Screening of the LWVO “The Election Before the Election: Ohio Primaries & Why they Matter” webinar 7:30 – 8:00 PM: Facilitated local roundtable discussion LWV Ohio is holding the webinar live for the public to watch on March 18th. Anyone can register to watch that webinar: CLICK HEREFor additional information or questions, including events and membership, please visit https://www.lwvnpc.org or email us at info@lwvnpc.org.