Ohio civic group encourages engagement as New Year’s resolution

By Farah Siddiqi

As Ohioans prepare to enter the new year, the League of Women Voters of Ohio is urging residents to consider civic engagement as part of their New Year’s resolutions, arguing it can help people feel more connected to decisions affecting their communities.

The nonpartisan organization said the start of a new year is often when people reflect on personal goals and consider changes they want to make in their lives.

Jen Miller, executive director of the league, said civic participation fits naturally into a moment of reflection.

"The new year is a great reset," Miller explained. "It’s a time for us to think about who we’ve been, and where we’ve been, and what we want to be different. As we plan for our future, thinking about how government represents us is a critical piece of that."

Miller noted many Ohioans closely follow political developments but do not always see civic participation as something they can actively do on a regular basis. State election data show voter participation in Ohio is typically highest during presidential elections, while turnout drops significantly in local and off-year races, which determine issues like school funding, public services and local leadership.

Some Ohio residents say civic engagement does not have to begin with formal political involvement.

Paige Bellarose, a volunteer for the league, said her participation started informally and became part of everyday conversations with friends and neighbors.

"I just feel like it feels good to be able to go out and help people or like try to move the gears in order to help people," Bellarose emphasized. "I think that’s just a really empowering feeling."

Bellarose added staying informed about local issues and listening to others in the community can help people feel less discouraged by the political climate.

The League of Women Voters of Ohio said with major statewide and local elections ahead in 2026, it hopes more residents will view civic engagement as an ongoing practice rather than something limited to Election Day.