By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
It’s Election Day. The day we’re supposed to register our values and vision for the community—through the ballot. But in Franklin County, that process is increasingly being manipulated. The Democratic Party’s endorsement process has turned their sample ballot into a death sentence for candidates who don’t receive their stamp of approval.
I’ve watched party leadership throw its full support behind a candidate who couldn’t even manage the basics—paying parking tickets, renewing a driver’s license, keeping registration current. Yet, she’s backed by nearly every Democrat in power. Why? What does she bring to the table? Are there not enough qualified Democrats to serve with integrity and responsibility? Birds of a feather, typically flock together.
I have very little confidence in a political machine that actively works to disenfranchise the Black community. Columbus City Council has stripped public education of vital funding through massive tax abatements—crippling schools while catering to developers. Why should Black voters trust them? Their actions feel self-serving and disconnected from our community’s real needs.
Today, voters will also choose candidates to via for the Columbus City School Board. Let’s be clear: the district is a hot mess. We need community-focused leadership now more than ever. Yet not one candidate has spoken out about the district’s LEDE spending—or the lack of meaningful inclusion of Black-owned businesses in its purchasing process.
Democratic leadership says their endorsements are meant to “help voters” navigate crowded races. But voters don’t need help picking names. They need candidates with bold plans, genuine concern for community issues, and a record of grassroots engagement. They need representatives who earn their votes—not ride into office on a party sample ballot.
Hopefully, Columbus voters have done their homework. Hopefully, they haven’t blindly followed a ballot designed to preserve power, not progress. Because that sample ballot doesn’t serve Black people.
Solve Black problems, get Black votes.
Just my thoughts.
