Anticipation for the election is here, as polls will open on Tuesday, March 19 for the primaries across Ohio. 

In an effort to raise awareness and advocate for voting in the primaries and beyond, organizations such as the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encouraged people to vote. 

Stacy Yaniglos, a member of Kent’s League of Women Voters’ voter service committee, said it’s important to educate and update the people of Portage County about the candidates running for positions and information regarding the election.

“I think every election with contests is significant,” Yaniglos said. “And I think the [state representative] and Portage County Commissioner’s race in particular is important for local government. They make a lot of decisions that affect the county.”

Yaniglos, a member of the League of Women Voters for 35 years, said LWV conducts forums where voters can ask candidates a variety of questions to better understand platforms before the actual voting day. Other times, the LWV hosts debates in which all candidates for a certain role are invited to take part.

However, the events continue to evolve as the League works to find options that both candidates and voters enjoy. Recently, it tried a new event to allow candidates and voters to get to know one another on a deeper level.

“We have tables, the same number of tables as we have candidates, and at those tables are several voters and a facilitator,” Yaniglos said. “The candidates go to an assigned table, and the voters can ask questions. After 10 minutes, we ring a bell and everybody moves on to the next table.”

The Republican primary for the State House District 72, which covers most of Portage County, includes incumbent Gail Pavliga and challenger Heidi Workman, while Democratic candidate Nathaniel Adams of Kent is running unopposed. Other major races include sheriff and Portage County Commissioner. 

However, despite the upcoming election, many voters may still be unsure who they want to vote for or why they are voting. 

Challenges and strategies in Workman’s campaign

Heidi Workman, challenging Rep. Gail Pavliga, said she entered politics as a volunteer and activist and has served as state communications director for a nonprofit organization. She said she decided to run for office for better representation, criticizing Pavliga for legislative decisions and vowed to represent her constituents effectively.

Workman described Pavliga’s legislative decision as potentially harmful or detrimental to their constituency’s well-being and economic prospects. 

“My representative, or our representative, Gail Pavliga in our district, chose to side with Democrats rather than her party to elect the house speaker in the State House,” Workman said. “And at that time, I noticed that she was starting to advance legislation that I found risky to our future prosperity.” 

 Notably, the Ohio Republican Party decided not to endorse Pavliga for a third term following infighting over electing a new speaker.

Workman said running for office is a challenging and difficult thing to do, but added she is confident she will overcome all obstacles.

“I’ve been heavily involved in meetings with legislators in the State House to understand and get a full picture of what’s happening there and what our representative has promoted,” Workman said. “I feel every day more and more confident that I’m doing the right thing by running for office.”

Workman expressed confidence in her communication and campaign strategies to reach out to the people and market her plans to the people of Portage County.

“I’ve been out knocking on doors daily, we have signs up all over the community, making phone calls, having meetings, connecting in every way I possibly can,” Workman said. “We also have a robust social media and digital campaign in the running right now, and we’re also doing text messaging and direct mail and we’re considering some TV ads.”

Pavliga’s record differentiates her from opponent, she said

Incumbent Gail Pavliga is seeking re-election in the primary election. She said her record and community service are on point and is optimistic about her re-election campaign’s impact on Portage County.

“I was able to flip this district back in 2020 and have brought a very aggressive plan to bring finances back to Portage County,” Pavliga said. “I sit on the powerful House Finance Board, and have been able to bring tens of millions of dollars back to the community for investment and this is a thing that I continue to work on.”

Pavliga said what sets her apart from Workman is her popularity, her Republican record and the work she has done.

“We don’t know her,” Pavliga said. “I have been a member of this community for over 34 years.”

Pavliga said as the people of Portage County are looking for someone to support in the next primary election, her message to them is her experience, transparency and track record will speak for her.

“I’m a person who is dedicated, honest and hardworking, and I’ve engaged with the community, heard their concerns and have truly been a representative of the people of Portage County,” Pavliga said. “It’s not hard to be transparent; everything that is done in our committees and on the House floor is televised and recorded.”

Yaniglos said primary voting will impact the general election in November. 

To find one’s registered polling location, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

Ignatius Ogbu is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].