As part of our continuing coverage of the 2026 Presidents Conference, we’re exploring how OCSEA activists are learning about the importance of “voting our jobs,” especially as we prepare to elect our next governor in November. During a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) training held during the conference, members discussed local organizing strategies and practiced reaching out to others about how (and why) to support labor-friendly candidates––including pro-labor, pro-public employee candidates like Dr. Amy Acton for Governor.
Chris Bice, an ODOT Highway Technician 2 activist from Gallia Chapter 2700 and OCSEA District 8 leader, was one of the members who attended the GOTV training. “I came to the conference to represent my chapter and to get more information on what’s going on to bring back to them,” he said.
“This election is very important. As I tell people, ‘How do you provide for your family? You provide for your family from the job that you have.’ When I say that to people, it opens some eyes,” said Chris. “Our paycheck comes from the State. If we continue to go down the path that we are on right now, we may not have a job. And that’s what I look at,” he said.
“I’ll be honest––I’m not a Democrat or a Republican. I’m an independent person asking who’s going to do the best for me?” he said.
"My opinion as someone from Appalachian Ohio is we need to think about how this will affect us as public employees,” said Chris. "We need to stand strong whether we’re HT1s, HT4s, HT5s, whether we’re Corrections Officers, or we’re in Public Safety, BWC, or anything––we need to vote our jobs!
“[Dr. Acton] is there for us!" said Chris.
A long-time supporter of labor, Dr. Acton sent a message to conference attendees via video message about her vested interests in improving the lives of all Ohioans––including Ohio's public servants. “You keep our roads open, you care for Ohioans with disabilities, you staff our correctional facilities, you protect our parks, you process the benefits that families depend on––and you make sure that state government works when people need it the most. I will proudly continue to have your backs as you have had mine,” said Acton.
Click here to see Vote Your Job video highlights from the 2026 Presidents Conference. You can also see more conference highlights, including excerpts from guest speaker Sen. Sherrod Brown, HERE at the OCSEA You Tube page.