MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon’s own presidential candidate Mike Vargo has been grateful for the reception he has received at the Knox County Fair. The exposure is critical for his goal to get his name on the Ohio ballot.
“Wednesday was the best day yet and I got 365 signatures,” he said. “But people need to keep finding me because time is winding down.”
Vargo, a Centerburg High School teacher, must have his petitions turned in by Aug. 8 and then those signatures have to be verified. He rented space and is in a 12-by-12-foot tent in front of the Merchant’s Building at the fair.
He needs 5,000 valid signatures for his name to appear on the ballot and he would like to have 6,000 because signatures can be invalidated if they are illegible, are not for a registered voter, or are a duplicate.
Signing his petition does not obligate a voter to vote for him in the election. Signing his petition is just a measure to make him one of the choices for president.
“Hope springs eternal,” stated Vargo, and that’s why he will keep trying until the deadline. He will be at the Hartford Fair in Croton on Aug. 5, 6 and 7.