Op-Ed | Dayton area businesses have a big stake in election

September 27, 2026 – Dayton area businesses invest capital, time, talent, reputation, and passion in building companies and creating jobs that employ our families, neighbors, and friends. The decisions made by elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels can shape the environment in which our businesses operate, grow and compete. For business leaders, civic engagement is an important part of protecting those investments and helping shape the future of the Dayton region.

The Nov. 3 general election will include races for the U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate, statewide offices, county offices, judicial seats, local governments, and local ballot issues. Two of the highest-profile statewide contests are the Ohio gubernatorial race, Dr. Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy, and the U.S. Senate race, Sherrod Brown and Sen. Jon Husted.

With so much attention focused on these campaigns, it is easy for the election conversation to become dominated by television advertisements, social media, and national political debates. For the Dayton area business community, however, this election is more than campaign ads and social issue distractions, this election cycle presents an opportunity to focus on the issues that directly affect our companies, our investments, our employees, and the Dayton area economy.

Business leaders should take the time to understand where candidates stand on business priorities such as economic development, workforce development, infrastructure, taxes, regulation, education, energy, and the policies that influence the Dayton region’s ability to attract and retain businesses and talent. Issues that impact business are critical to impacting the ability to grow companies in our community.

History demonstrates the importance of voter participation in Ohio. Ohio voter turnout can vary significantly from one midterm election to another, meaning the people who show up to vote have a significant impact on the outcome. In the 2022 midterm elections, Montgomery County saw 51.48% voter turnout and the State of Ohio had a 51.5% turnout. In the 2018 midterms, Montgomery County had 55.21% turnout and Ohio had 55.72%. However, in 2014, the State of Ohio had a shocking 40.65% midterm voter turnout. With over 7.9 million registered voters in Ohio, the turnout difference of 830,000 voters between 2014 and 2022 can make or break an election. To put this in perspective, the 2024 U.S. Senate race in Ohio was decided by a difference of 210,000 votes.

That makes it especially important for business leaders and members of the business community to participate rather than assume others will make these decisions for them. And given how close these races are polling, your vote is critical.

This is not a time for the Dayton area business community to sit on the sidelines. It is a time to be informed, examine the candidates and priorities, and participate in the democratic process.

The Dayton region has significant economic momentum. Maintaining that momentum will require continued collaboration among businesses, government, educational institutions, and community organizations. The decisions made by elected officials are one part of that equation.

Ohio’s 2026 general election is Nov. 3, with early in-person and absentee voting beginning Oct. 6. The voter-registration deadline is Oct. 5.

Whether you vote early, by mail or in person on Election Day, make a plan to participate. The future of the Dayton region is shaped not only in boardrooms and businesses, but also at the ballot box.

VIEW ARTICLE AS FEATURED IN THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS

Chris Kershner
President & CEO
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce