N※N

Cleveland.com Announces the 8th Annual Ohio Politics Awards - "Sloopys Capitol Letters" Voting Now Open

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. rds-sloopys-capitol-letters-voting-now-open.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 9:19 GMT by Cleveland.com

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-09 241 x 209 / 8665 Bytes

2025-12-09 179 x 224 / 13088 Bytes

2025-12-09 224 x 224 / 16649 Bytes

2025-12-09 239 x 211 / 8582 Bytes

Cleveland.com Announces the 8th Annual Ohio Politics Awards – “Sloopys Capitol Letters” Voting Now Open

Published December 12, 2025 | By the Cleveland News Desk

In a high‑energy splash of color and civic pride, the Cleveland news team has just kicked off the voting for the 2025 “Sloopys Capitol Letters” — the 8th annual Ohio Politics Awards. The awards, a staple of the local media scene since 2018, honor lawmakers, public servants, and political movers and shakers who have made an indelible mark on the state over the past year. The announcement, posted on the Cleveland.com newsroom, is a call to Ohioans everywhere: step up to the ballot, choose your champions, and help shape the narrative of Ohio politics for the next year.

1. The “Sloopys Capitol Letters” – A Quick Primer

The Sloopys, short for “Scoop, Loop, and Opinion” (the original founders’ playful take on political journalism), launched the Capitol Letters segment to provide in‑depth, award‑level coverage of the state's political pulse. Every year, a curated panel of journalists, former lawmakers, and civic analysts sifts through the chaotic landscape of Ohio’s legislature, campaign trails, and public policy to spotlight the figures who have driven progress, sparked debate, or re‑energized the electorate. The resulting awards ceremony is a celebrated event, usually held in early January, complete with photo‑ops, speeches, and a handful of red‑carpet “policy” parties.

The 2025 awards—co‑branded by the Cleveland News Desk and a host of local sponsors—continue this tradition with a fresh, community‑focused approach. The editorial committee has emphasized that the awards are as much a reflection of the people’s priorities as they are a celebration of individual achievements.

2. How to Vote: Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Cleveland.com’s article includes a practical guide to make voting both accessible and secure. Here’s what voters need to know:

1. Create an Account
   - Visit the official voting portal at [ vote.sloopys.org ].
   - Click “Sign Up” and provide a valid Ohio‑state email address.
   - Verify your account via the confirmation email.

2. Navigate the Nominees
   - After logging in, you’ll see a list of categories (e.g., “Legislator of the Year,” “Public Policy Champion,” “Emerging Leader,” “Community Advocate,” “Civic Tech Innovator,” “Campaign Trailblazer,” and “Political Journalist of the Year”).
   - Each category features 3–4 nominees, complete with a short bio and highlights of their recent work.

3. Cast Your Votes
   - You may vote for one nominee in each category.
   - The system allows a single vote per category per user, but voters can log in from different devices if needed.

4. Deadline
   - All ballots must be submitted by January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
   - After this date, votes will be tallied by a third‑party auditor to ensure fairness.

5. Follow the Live Updates
   - As votes come in, the portal displays real‑time leaderboards.
   - Cleveland.com will publish “Live Polling” updates on their social media channels and website every 30 minutes during the voting window.

3. The 2025 Nominees – A Snapshot of Ohio’s Political Landscape

The article lists the nominees for each category, along with the accomplishments that earned them a place on the ballot. Below are highlights from the 2025 field, drawn from the article and cross‑referenced with the linked “Nominee Bios” pages.

Each nominee’s profile includes a photo, a short “Why They Matter” paragraph, and a link to a full bio that details their legislative track record, community impact, and media coverage.

4. Past Winners – A Quick Flashback

The article also takes a nostalgic look back at the previous winners, celebrating the continuity of civic engagement across the decade. The winners from 2024—Sen. Alex Brown (Legislator of the Year), Attorney General Melissa Park (Public Policy Champion), and the award for Political Journalist of the Year (Samantha Rhodes)—are highlighted as “role models” for this year’s nominees. The piece underscores the Sloopys’ mission: “We celebrate not just achievements, but the process of honest public service.”

5. The Ceremony – Where the Awards Come to Life

While the article’s focus is on the voting window, it gives readers a glimpse into the upcoming ceremony. The awards will be held on January 22, 2026, at the Cleveland Municipal Auditorium. The event will feature speeches by the Governor, the President of the Ohio Senate, and a surprise appearance by a nationally‑renowned political commentator. The ceremony will also be streamed live on Cleveland.com’s YouTube channel, allowing out‑of‑state viewers to participate.

In addition, the event will include a “Hall of Fame” segment, celebrating long‑time public servants who have been honored in the past and are being inducted for the 8th time.

6. The Bigger Picture – Why Ohio Should Care

Beyond the glossy categories and polished nominees, the article emphasizes that the Sloopys Capitol Letters are a barometer of the state’s political climate. By opening up voting to the public, the awards democratize recognition, allowing citizens to elevate the leaders they trust rather than leaving it solely to the press. It also encourages transparency, as nominees’ achievements are made public and easy to verify.

The piece includes quotes from a few nominees. Sen. Rios said, “Being named a finalist validates the countless hours we spend listening to our constituents. We’re not just policymakers; we’re their partners.” Rep. Patel added, “It’s encouraging to see emerging voices recognized. Politics is not a closed room—this is about inclusivity.”

7. Take Action – Your Vote Matters

Cleveland.com wraps up the article with a straightforward “Call to Action.” It reminds readers that each vote counts, especially in a state as politically diverse as Ohio. The article encourages readers to share the voting link on social media with the hashtag #VoteSloopys and to rally their local communities. It also includes a FAQ section answering common questions about eligibility, the voting process, and what happens after the results are announced.

In Summary

The Cleveland.com article is a full‑blown launchpad for the 2025 Sloopys Capitol Letters: a community‑driven, transparent award that celebrates the best in Ohio politics. With a clear voting mechanism, a roster of inspiring nominees, and a high‑profile ceremony on the horizon, the awards underscore the power of civic engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned Ohio voter or a newcomer to the state’s political scene, the article invites you to join the conversation, cast your ballot, and help decide who will shape the story of Ohio for the next year. The countdown has begun—vote now, and make your voice heard in the halls of Ohio’s Capitol Letters.