Early voting soon underway in Ohio's special primary

• Winners in the Ohio House and Senate primaries will represent their political parties on November's general election ballot.

Why it matters: The Statehouse plays an important role in Ohioans' lives by crafting local laws on issues like guns, abortion, education spending and public safety.

Driving the news: If you're not already registered to vote, today is the deadline in order to cast an Aug. 2 ballot.

• Same goes for updating your voter registration to reflect an address change.

Catch up quick: This ballot features new General Assembly districts redrawn after the 2020 Census.

• Mapmakers repeatedly failed at drawing fair, constitutional districts, hence this unusual August election.
• Franklin County is now split up into 11 House and four Senate districts.

Reality check: Only political diehards and candidates' families are likely to be casting a ballot this early in a special election many Ohioans may not even know is happening.

Yes, but: Amid summertime vacation plans, citizens have a full month to figure out a voting plan.

Be smart: Here are three things to do over the weeks ahead:

• Find your new House and Senate districts.
• Consider early voting options or find your Aug. 2 polling place.
• Spread the word to a friend or family member … odds are, they will need reminding.