Beginning tomorrow, Ohio voters may begin casting their votes for the 2016 General Election, and this can be completed through early voting at the county courthouse in Ironton or absentee voting through the mail or hand delivery until Nov. 7.

Many view early voting as a positive to ensure each voter’s constitutional rights are upheld.

While we encourage each resident who is eligible to vote in the upcoming election to exercise their duty to vote, we must also remember the potential pitfalls that can be associated with voting absentee.

In the event that an absentee vote needs to be used, registered voters can fill out the application that can be provided and returned to the board of elections by any party. However, only the voter or family member can mail or deliver the filled out ballot.

Unfortunately, there are some who may try to use this form of voting to gain an advantage that will personally benefit them or their party in an election.

In the end, it is important for anyone who needs to cast their ballot by absentee to know and understand the process so every vote is made of their own conscience.