Quick, what are you doing tomorrow?

Going to the May 4 commemoration in your few hours out of class? That’s good. What else?

If you forgot May 4 is an election, you’re forgiven. It’s not one of the glamorous ones. There’s no smoking ban or casino or presidential candidates. That doesn’t mean this election is not important.

For one, voters will have the chance to vote on important issues for Portage County and the state of Ohio.

Issue 1 is a $700 million extension of the state’s Third Frontier Program meant to bolster high tech businesses. Do you love government investment in the private sector? Do you wish the state would stop spending more money? Do you still have no clue what the issue is about? Go do some research, then vote your conscience.

The other statewide issue, Issue 2 would change the casino amendment that passed in November to change the location of the proposed Columbus casino. If you live in the state’s capital, you definitely should have an opinion on that.

Issue 12 would renew the levy for Portage County Children Services.

Issue 13 would pass the first additional levy for the Portage County Health Department since 1955.

Democrats will have their chance to choose their candidates for Portage County commissioner. Incumbent Chuck Keiper, who has held the post for four years, is running against accountant Vicki Kline.

Tommie Jo Marsilio is unopposed for the Republican nomination and will face the winner of the Democrat’s primary.

Maybe you can’t name any of Portage County’s commissioners or what they do. They serve as the administrative leaders of the county, which, as you may know, you live in. Their decisions will affect your life. Look up the duties of county commissioners in Ohio and research the candidates.

Democrats will also vote on which candidate will run for Kathleen Chandler’s Ohio House of Representatives spot. Chandler cannot seek re-election because of term limit rules, and one of three candidates will win the chance to face Republican W. Roak Zeller in the election in November for the 68th district’s seat, which represents Kent as well as much of Portage County.

Rick Hawksley, who tied for Kent mayor and lost on a coin flip in November; Sean Buchanan, an attorney who worked as a district representative for U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan, and Kathleen Clyde, an attorney who has worked multiple jobs involving the Ohio Congress, will vie for the Democratic nomination tomorrow.

We’ve given you some information that scratches the surface of what’s going on tomorrow. Now it’s your turn to continue researching and become an informed voter if you’re not already. Democracy doesn’t just happen every four years after all.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.