To the Editors:

I am writing as a board member of the League of Women Voters of the Oberlin Area to encourage all registered voters to participate in Tuesday’s election. The issues and candidates are all local in importance — only two issues have any impact beyond the Oberlin community — but this should not deter any registered voter from voting locally.

Why? Students are an integral part of our community, and your voice deserves to be heard. Oberlin City Council candidates will potentially enact ordinances that directly affect students as consumers and residents of the town, and Oberlin School Board candidates may oversee changes in curricula and programs that impact College-school collaboration. City taxation issues include funding for the Oberlin Public Library, the collection and services of which are open to all College students. Issue 16, a proposed ordinance to establish a Community Bill of Rights, would prohibit “most corporate oil and gas extraction as well as the storage, transportation and depositing of oil and gas drilling waste product within the city of Oberlin.” This issue is of utmost importance to all residents of the city and its environs.

In short, voting locally is both your privilege and right. As current residents and future alumni, you have a long-term interest in the welfare of the city and the College. The two are completely intertwined, and helping to determine their future direction is your prerogative. So be prepared and vote with full assurance of your ability to cast a well informed vote. The LWVOA Voter Guide online is a good place to start.