While we know hundreds of area residents already have cast their ballots, there is still time to remind voters of an important issue included for many of our voters.

For 32 years, voters in Hancock County have supported the operations of the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop through the passage of a levy.

First approved in 1992, the levy has received widespread support each time it has come up for renewal, often reaching (and surpassing) the 70% mark.

In order to continue, this levy must receive a minimum of 60% of the votes in favor, and we hope that will be the case come the evening of Nov. 5.

The Hancock County Sheltered Workshop levy provides $250,000 each year in support of the Workshop. That number has not gone up over the years, so this will have no additional impact on voters’ pockets.

Since opening its doors in the late 1950s, the Sheltered Workshop has provided opportunities for Hancock County residents with disabilities through training in various life skills, such as financial management, cooking and grocery shopping, all in an effort to assist them in living their lives. Through its commercial laundry service, many of the clients attending the Workshop also have a chance to work and earn their own money. Through these services and programs, the Workshop’s 52 clients have safety and security, along with a sense of pride in themselves.

The levy, specifically, covers the costs of transporting clients between their homes and the Workshop, according to officials.

Hancock County voters have come out strong in support of the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop for more than 30 years, and we encourage that to continue by voting “For” the levy.