Though Ohio's general election for governor might seem like a far-off event, Nov. 7 will come sooner than expected. While it might seem irrelevant for those not yet old enough to vote, social studies department head Sue Cox said, "Whether you're 16 or 18, it's important to be a lifelong learner."

Cox thinks it is important even for teens to be politically well-versed and educated when it comes to debating the issues, as many of them will be eligible to vote soon. A good place to start gathering the knowledge, she said, is by collecting unbiased and reliable information on both parties' candidates.

So for starters, the Internet serves as a dependable learning tool as long as the sources are accurate. For instance, it is easy to find out through some simple Web-based research that both candidates present impressive political experience to prospective voters.

Ken Blackwell, the Republican candidate, serves as Ohio's Secretary of State and holds degrees in science and education. His previous public service includes being the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission and the Mayor of Cincinnati.

Democratic candidate Ted Strickland is currently a member of congress. He has taught as a college professor and holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology, among other degrees.

Since both candidates are well into their campaigns, their opposing platforms can be researched simply by just checking out their official Web sites or listening to their public debates. In doing so, it is easy to compare where the two opponents bump heads on the most talked-about topics as well as their plans for those issues.

For example, Blackwell states that he will always be antiabortion and believes this position will remain steadfast and consistent. Strickland has recently been endorsed by NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, saying that he would veto any legislation to restrict reproductive health care, in order to preserve a woman's right to a safe, legal abortion.

While on the topic of education, Strickland proposes to create the Ohio Knowledge Bank, in which every high school graduate will have an account to help fund postsecondary education. Blackwell plans to pass a law that requires every school district to spend at least 65 cents of each education dollar on classroom instruction, so that classroom spending can increase by more than $1.2 billion statewide without a tax increase.

Another area of popular interest regards jobs and the economy. Blackwell intends to control government spending, reduce the tax burden and provide funding for new job creation, which he says will aid in an economy boost. Strickland wants to promote the state's own businesses in world markets while encouraging the development of new businesses in order to achieve job growth and economic competitiveness.

Last Tuesday, the first public between the candidates was held. Three more have been scheduled. One will be in Cleveland Sept. 20 on education, another in Cincinnati Oct. 4 on the economy, and the last in Columbus Oct. 16 on open topics.

It will be important to understand these debates, as Cox has stressed the significance of reliable information, especially when it comes straight from the candidates themselves.

"As citizens," Cox said, "we have rights and responsibilities, and we must step up to them."

She said it is vital to make knowledgeable decisions that benefit society, and the only way to be educated on the severity of these choices is to have an impartial outlook.

Teens and adults alike need to gather their own views and opinions, Cox said, as then and only then is it is possible to make a solid, well-informed decision.