Grassroots Organizations Drive Change in Rural Ohio

Rural Ohio is experiencing a surge in grassroots activism during this election cycle, with new progressive organizations emerging to support democratic candidates and important issues statewide.

One organization, Common Good Coalition PAC (CGC), has formalized its presence as individuals from eleven counties in East Central Ohio join forces to “Flip the 12th” Ohio Congressional District, aiming for new Democratic leadership.

Residents of all political sway and varied voting records are calling for policy changes and greater accountability from their leaders. Communities are coming together across county lines, united for a better future and doing so in a way that is enjoyable for all.

The fun begins with a Summer Tour of events hosted by the Common Good Coalition throughout the Twelfth District in June and July. Then the large Flip the 12th music festival happens in Mount Vernon on July 25, 2026. All events feature local musicians, food trucks, non-profits and vendors, along-side democratic candidates and leaders.

Get Out The Vote Summer Tour Events Across the District

The first Get Out The Vote Coshocton Event is scheduled for June 4, 2026, from 5 to 9 pm at the Art Park on Main Street in Coshocton. This free community event is family friendly and will feature local musicians, including Vernon Schubel and The Stranger Said, local and regional democratic candidates/politicians, and food trucks, Tabouli Cafe and What the Fizz. The event is hosted by Flip the 12th and the Coshocton County Democratic Central Committee, presented by the Common Good Coalition. Check out the event on Facebook: https://bit.ly/Coshocton-Event - for the full entertainment lineup. 

Next the free Get Out The Vote Tour moves to Lancaster, in Fairfield County, on June 27, from 1 to 6 pm at Zane Square on Broad Street, for family fun: music, food trucks and the district's democratic candidates and leaders. Check out the event on Facebook: https://bit.ly/Lancaster-Event - for updates.

On Sunday, July 12, the Get Out The Vote Summer Tour comes to Newark’s Canal Market District from 11 am to 3 pm. Free family fun: music, food trucks and democratic candidates and leaders. Check out the event on Facebook: https://bit.ly/Newark-event - for more info.

Flip the 12th Music Festival - The Main Event

The Flip the 12th Music Festival is scheduled for July 25, 2026, from 3 to 9 pm on Mt Vernon’s Public Square. This free community event will feature 20 live music acts, food trucks, booths from progressive nonprofits and blue dot vendors. The lineup includes The Fronks, The Cedars Brothers, Billy Bones & The Overtones, Sarah Cowan, and Imber Solis, with artists playing on 2 main stages and on acoustic platforms in local businesses nearby the Square. Follow along on Facebook as details are announced: https://bit.ly/Flip-the-12th-Music-Festival

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About Common Good Coalition

Common Good Coalition identifies and supports initiatives and candidates focused on improving community life, including issues such as equity, education, health care, and civil rights.

Ohio’s 12th Congressional District Overview

Ohio's 12th congressional district encompasses Coshocton, Fairfield, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Muskingum, Monroe counties, and parts of Delaware, Holmes, and Perry Counties. The district includes communities east of Columbus, such as Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Lancaster, Newark, Zanesville, Cambridge, Mount Vernon, and Coshocton. Republican Troy Balderson currently represents the district, having assumed office after a special election in 2018 following the resignation of Rep. Pat Tiberi, who left after an unsuccessful bid to chair the Ways and Means Committee.

For more information and interviews, email Chris Robinson, CGC founder - commongoodcoalitionoh@gmail.com