Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.― Franklin D. Roosevelt

Today is Election Day.  Across Ohio – and across the country – citizens are casting their vote for the candidates and issues they support.

Regardless of party or ideological affiliation, there are two facts all parties can agree on: This year’s election stands among the most important in recent history, and the importance and focus on America’s energy future has never been greater.

Once again, the old phrase comes back into play – ‘As goes Ohio, so goes the nation’. Though candidates on both sides of the aisle have recognized Ohio’s pivotal role in national politics, there has also been a recognition of our state’s emergence as a leader in domestic energy production through Utica Shale development.

Ohio has seen tremendous benefits in the past year from the safe, responsible development of the energy resources within our borders. The development of the Utica Shale has increased job growth and lowered unemployment. It has helped small businesses grow, allowed our communities to thrive, and has brought manufacturing back to long dormant regions in our state.

And it’s just the beginning. We are currently in the leasing and exploration phase here in Ohio, with expanding development taking off in the coming years. And, with projections of over 200,000 Ohio jobs being created and supported by Ohio’s oil and gas industry through 2015, the role of energy in our state’s future has never been of greater importance.

With this in mind, we ask you to please consider Ohio’s energy future amongst your top priorities when you cast your ballot today.  Should you be looking to see where your candidate stands on the issue of Ohio’s natural gas development, please be sure to check out Ohio Votes: Utica Shale and the 2012 Election.

I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them to vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy — to speak no evil of the person they voted against, and to take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side. – John Wesley, October 6, 1774

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