In a political arena dominated by Big Money, the United States is witnessing, perhaps ironically, an explosion of average citizens like us running for office. With more chutzpah than cash, these first-time candidates are challenging established politicians despite their far greater name-recognition and donor bases. Why? What motivates ordinary citizens to step into the gerrymandered minefield of Ohio politics? This Thursday, Move to Amend Central Ohio will put this question and others to two local first-time candidates:

• Charlotte Owens, seeking to represent District 78 in the Ohio Legislature, and
• Alaina Swope, running to represent District 97 in the Ohio Legislature. 

During the panel discussion, moderator Sandy Bolzenius will further inquire as to what it takes for a newcomer to mount an effective campaign in terms of messaging and voter outreach, especially during a pandemic before opening the forum to Q&A. Audience members are encouraged to participate.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84021558632?pwd=VjE0Vm1IaTluNnBxZWtjQXRpTktyQT09

By phone, call 312-626-6799 or 929-205-6099

Meeting ID: 840 2155 8632

Passcode: 2010

This session is part of Move to Amend, Central Ohio's "Speaking of Democracy" series which probes into local issues and the influence that corporations may have on them. (Note: Successive Supreme Court rulings have ceded to corporations U.S. constitutional rights initially reserved for "We, the People.")