Election 2004: the Ohio Society of CPAs 2004 endorsement slate.

• Position: Capitol Access

Election Day 2004 is right around the corner, and while this year's presidential election is at the forefront of everyone's mind, Nov. 2 is also the day Ohioans will decide the winner of numerous Ohio General Assembly races, choose the majority of Ohio's Supreme Court justices, and select a U.S. senator and congressional representatives.

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On the following pages, you will find a list of candidates who have officially been endorsed by the Ohio Society of CPAs. These endorsements reflect the tireless efforts of 40 CPAs from across the state who have studied the candidates carefully, and made decisions based on who is the best person to lead Ohio, and who will best represent the interests and concerns of CPAs and businesses across the state.

With so much at stake, it is crucial for Ohio Society members to vote, and to vote en masse. The decisions Ohio CPAs make at the voting booth could make the difference in key legislative battles and decide the fate of litigation reform in Ohio. Your vote will also decide who will be responsible for reforming Ohio's tax system, balancing the state budget and managing a $4 billion budget deficit. They will also determine whether professional services, including accounting and audit services, are taxed.

The Ohio Society of CPAs strongly encourages each member to carefully review the list of endorsed candidates and to vote for those whom you feel will best serve your interests as a CPA and business leader.

If you are not registered to vote, you may do so until Oct. 4, 2004. If you are a registered voter that has moved to a different part of Ohio since the last election, now is the time to update your registration. Updating your registration is the same as registering to vote--just mark "Change of Address" on the form. If you are unable to update your information before the October deadline, you may still be able to vote at your previous voting location, or you may vote via provisional ballot in person at your county board of elections.

Finally, if you know you will not be able to go to the polls to vote on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot now to ensure your voice is heard. An alternative is voting in person at your county board of elections up to 30 days before the election. Information on registering, updating your registration, or absentee voting is available from the Ohio Secretary of State's Web site at http://www.state.oh.us/sos/ under "voter registration," or by contacting The Ohio Society of CPAs at government@ohiocpa.com or 800.686.2727.

Do your part to protect Ohio's future: vote on Nov. 2!

Ohio Supreme Court

Endorsed Candidate for Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court

Chief Justice Thomas...