Volume 83, Issue 3
Who is the Secretary of State? Reporters: Trent Doyle and Brandon Allen
On June 14th, a debate was held between the Nationalist and Federalist nominated state candidates. The delegates were each asked a question and offered a chance to respond to their opponents answer. One candidate who captivated the hearts and minds of the audience was the Nationalist Secretary of State candidate, Marcus A. Schwartz. He was asked, “Some claim that our voting system is open to attack and fraud. What would you do to protect our most fundamental right to vote while not imposing additional barriers for marginalized groups?” His response to this question was, “I believe that registering to mail in ballots, drive through voting convenient locations, and have available hours. This would widely increase the amount of voting that is done.” When he finished, cheering filled the arena. Marcus was given a rebuttal to his opponent, in which he said, “my opponent’s plan is a little dangerous for our state. I love Ohio and I think we are the best state. So, I want success out of Ohio. Our democracy relies on secure elections to operate. And my opponent’s plan leaves this open and a little vague. Our people will lose faith in the election process and this will deeply harm Ohio’s.heart and overall success.” Once again, the arena was captivated and cheers erupted throughout. After a successful campaign of shaking hands and drawing smiley faces, Marcus A. Schwartz was elected on June 14th as the Secretary of State. With a campaign slogan of “I’m lovin’ it,” it's hard to deny his impactful ideas. Running on the platform of allowing voters to vote immediately after turning 18 with
Wednesday, June 15th, no registration required, Schwartz narrowly slid into his elected position by 31 votes. After the election, a job fair was held for delegates who were unemployed. Schwartz was present to give people a chance to help in the Secretary of State’s office. Schwartz said, “Well, of course I want people who work hard and show up on time, but most of all I want someone who’s sociable, easy to get along with, and knows how to have fun.” On the evening of June 15th Schwartz was inaugurated by Justice Sharon Kennedy. When asked how it felt he said, “It was great, it was an experience man.” Schwartz had a clear expression of content and accomplishment. On his first day of office, he said he felt like a chicken with its head cut off. Schwartz said they were, “Running around like crazy, but I think we got it.” He and his staff have confidence and loads of optimism for the future.
Marcus at the Meet the Candidates Rally. Picture credited to Cody Barhorst
At the end of the inauguration, Schwartz was asked if he had any words for the people, and sticking to his campaign slogan, he had one thing to say, “I’m lovin’ it, let's have some fun, bro.”