Amelia Robinson: There are few sure things this election season. Tell us what's on your mind

Amelia Robinson is the Columbus Dispatch's opinion and community engagement editor.

No victory is promised any election season, but a list of issues ranging from inflation to the protracted redistricting saga that forced two Ohio primaries is making things even more uncertain and challenging for those hoping to win favor with voters Nov. 8.

And I am not just talking about those running for political office.

For instance, NAACP Columbus Branch President Nana Watson and former Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown should have little to worry about when it comes to winning a victory for the Senior Options Issue 10, a renewal levy they are championing.

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The levy funds a list of critical senior services that includes minor home repairs, caregiver relief, adult day care, meals on wheels, information and referrals, medical transportation, and home health aides for personal care issues such as bathing.

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It is a renewal, not an increase and would generate $50.3 million annually, and would generate $50.3 million annually and support more than 60,000 seniors in 2023 — a number officials say will grow annually by 3%.

Nothing can be taken for granted

The levy is important not only to seniors, but to the success of the county as a whole. This is why the Dispatch Editorial Board endorses its passage.

It should be a slam dunk.

Franklin County's five-year levy dates back to 1992 and has passed easily every time, even in 2012 despite what officials call confusing ballot language.

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Still Watson, Brown, and county officials are not completely confident the 1.75 mill levy, that would cost property owners $41 per $100,000 of property evaluation, will sail through as easily as it has in the past.

"I'm confident, but at the same time, I don't want to take acceptance for granted," Franklin County Administrator Kenneth N. Wilson recently told the Dispatch Editorial Board. "I want to make sure that the public is adequately educated on how important this levy is because people have anxieties around inflation. Some people still have anxieties around their taxes in general because of the escalating home prices."

Voters are watching their pocketbooks more and the Senior Options Levy will have its competition from a host of levies and bond issues, including a proposed $1.5 billion package Columbus MayorAndrew J. Ginthersays includes $200 million for much-needed affordable housing.

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Franklin County Commissioner John O'Grady says the uncertainty is fueled partly by negativity in politics, which includes political ads.

"People are just kind of over things right now," he said.

With important issues such as the Senior Options Levy on the ballot, now is not the time to stay home on Election Day.

Economy, abortion, 'threats' on voters' minds

Voters may be overwhelmed and disillusioned, but that does not mean they do not care.

Voters have a lot on their minds during this election season.

According to the new USA TODAY Network Ohio/ Suffolk University Political Research Center poll, nearly a third of Ohio's likely voters said that inflation and its effect on the economy is a primary concern.

Nearly 70% of voters said they oppose Ohio's law that bans abortion after fetal cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy. More than 80% support exceptions to the ban for victims of rape or incest, and about 62% said they would support an exception for those under age 16, reporter Nolan Simmons writes.

Among many interesting findings, the poll found 20% of likely voters believe "threats to democracy"  is the top issue heading into the election. That includes 11% of Republicans, 14% of independents and 35% of Democrats.

The nature of those threats depends on your political leanings.

One topic Ohioans overwhelmingly agree on is that they want candidates on the ballot to debate these issues.

The poll found that 84% of Ohioans want governor and U.S. Senate candidates to debate.

But with each day that passes, it seems less likely that will happen.

More:Poll: 84% of Ohioans want governor, U.S. Senate candidates to debate

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Nan Whaley, a Democrat, has accepted invitations to debate incumbent Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican. DeWine has not yet accepted any invitations to debate Whaley. Senate candidates J.D. Vance, a Republican, and Tim Ryan, a Democrat, have not accepted invitations to the same debates.

The Vance and DeWine camps this week said they will not face their opponents at Ohio Debate Commission's debates.

Ohioans are concerned. They are worried about the economy, reproductive rights, education, and other issues. They want to know what candidates are going to do about these issues if they are elected.

The Dispatch Editorial Board hopes to sit down with the candidates and ask them about the issues you care about as part of a meeting with representatives from our nearly 20 sister papers, which include the Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer, The Canton Repository, The Mansfield News Journal and The Newark Advocate.

The USA TODAY Network Ohio/ Suffolk University Political Research Center poll offers a glimpse into what Ohio voters want, but I'd like to get a better sense of the issues at the top of mind for people who call Greater Columbus home.

More:Mike DeWine, Nan Whaley should give Ohioans what they want, a debate | Opinion

So, what are your top concerns?

Let me know your thoughts in a letter to the editor of 200 words or less emailed to Letters@Dispatch.com.

Include your name, address, and daytime phone number. The address and number are needed for verification and won't be published.

Amelia Robinson is the Columbus Dispatch's opinion and community engagement editor.

Twitter: @1AmeliaRobinson

Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Issues most important to Columbus, Ohio residents election 2022