On November, voters will line the polls to make their choices for mayor, city council and clerk. This yearâs election will place leaders who are determined to continue our region's positive momentum and help retain and attract talent.
Before heading to the poll stations, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana urges voters of all ages to pay attention to what the candidates are saying, doing, and advocating. Learn more about local candidates by using the YLNI THE VOTE Brochure.
http://ylni.org/files/page/RallyVote.pdf
Today marks the final day you can register or update your registration to vote in the 2015 election.  If you like to wait until the last minute, then this is it!  It doesnât get any easier than registering online.  Go to the Indiana Statewide Voter Registration System website to review your status, update your information, or register to vote and visit the Allen County Election Board website to see a sample ballot, find out when and where you can vote early, or even vote by mail.  Early voting starts tomorrow, October 6th, at the Rousseau Centre from 8am-4:30pm so be sure to check out the YLNI the Vote webpage for a candidate brochure to make you a more informed voter. Â
On November 3rd Indiana voters will elect representatives for mayor, city council, and clerk. These offices donât headline the national news, but in many ways, they can affect our community as much, if not more, than any other offices. They are positions held by our neighbors, our co-workers, and our peers, and theyâll help guide Fort Wayne through this inspirational rise in civic engagement and pride.
Just 10 to 15 years ago Fort Wayne was seeing its young professionals moving to Indianapolis, Chicago and other locales after graduating from college. Recently, however, there has been a shift and more graduates are considering job opportunities right here in Fort Wayne.
This yearâs election will place leaders who determine what this city has to offer to help retain and attract talent. Additionally, it will shape the type of community our children and grandchildren will grow up in. Issues like safety, education, entertainment, economic development, and jobs are on the forefront. We have a hotly contested mayoral race and could have as many as seven new city council members. Fort Wayne will have a new city clerk for the first time in over 30 years.
Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana urges voters of all ages to pay attention to what the candidates are saying, doing, and advocating.
As a nonpartisan organization that encourages young professionals to get involved, to make their mark, and to make their voices heard, we find it troubling that Indiana had the lowest voter turnout in the country last November. And, the 9.8 percent turnout in the May primary elections in Allen County was the lowest in history.
Whether that was due to misinformation, lack of information, or just plain apathy, weâre not going to stand by and just hope more people turn out to vote in November. YLNI is committed to doing something about it by hosting multiple events, in partnership with several other organizations, to help engage and educate voters.
-- On Oct. 1, YLNI will host a âMeet the Candidatesâ night. Candidates have been invited to give a short speech to let attendees know who they are and what they stand for. The event is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Embassy Theatre and is open to members of the participating organizations.
-- On Oct. 8, YLNI will host âRally the Voteâ â a free, family-friendly block party open to the public from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Landing, Columbia Street in downtown Fort Wayne. Voters can vote at the County building until 4:30 p.m. and then join us for music, food, beverages and outdoor games.
Just as important as increasing turnout is to have informed voters. Each election year YLNI produces a candidate information brochure. It contains general background information on the candidates, including their answers to questions regarding community issues. The brochure also includes a description of each office on the ballot and general voting information.
More information on YLNI, the candidate brochure, and these events can be found at ylni.org. Information on how to register and where to cast your vote can be found at indianavoters.in.gov.
No matter what side of the aisle you tend to stand, or if you prefer to vote for a candidate instead of a party, please get educated on the candidates and issues, then exercise your right to vote.
Jake Pickett is vice president of communications for Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana. He wrote this for Fort Wayne Newspapers.
Link to Article:Â http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/columns/Become-an-informed--active-voter-8946419
In 2008, 6 million Americans didn't vote because they missed a registration deadline or didn't know how to register.  National Voter Registration Day wishes to change that by bringing awareness to voter registration.Â
There are less than two weeks left to register by the October 5, 2015 deadline for the 2015 Election, so take time today and check that all your voter registration information is current.  Donât know how?  Well itâs easy!  Indianaâs Statewide Voter Registration System allows you to check your status as well as update your information or submit a new application online.
And donât forget that you can vote early in Allen County starting October 6th either in person or by mail.  Check out the Allen County Election Board website for dates and locations.
Allen County Election Board: http://www.allencounty.us/election-board Â
IN Voter Registration:Â https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/PublicMain.aspx
