Statewide, the turnout was also under 25 percent for selecting the state’s leadership for the next four years. It makes you wonder about the turnout for the Aug. 10 primary runoff and the Nov. 2 General election.
There will be two high-profile races on the ballot. Roy Barnes and either Karen Handel or Nathan Deal will duke it out for governor in what promises to be a nasty contest. And Casey Cagle and Carol Porter will do the same for lieutenant governor.
Can those two races inspire a larger turnout? If so, that could affect the only locally contested matter before Jackson County voters, the extension of the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) for six years.
SPLOST votes seldom generate much interest, at least if you measure interest by voter turnout. However, if the public gets interested (or angry) enough by the two statewide races, several thousand extra voters could also mark their ballots on SPLOST.
At stake is $47.5 million over six years that will help reduce public debt and build infrastructure, but what supporters of the tax don’t like to admit is that it is more likely to pass if there is a low voter turnout.
Passage of the SPLOST will be promoted by a coalition of businesses, led by the chamber. They’ll do presentations, buy advertising and make the best case they can. While it remains to be seen what will happen this year, in previous years there has been no similar counter-action by an organization of those opposed to the tax. It’s like SPLOST has run unopposed.
The political landscape appears to be different this year. There’s a lot of anti-government sentiment. But while it is not known whether that translates into votes or no-shows, a larger turnout means more people inclined to vote against SPLOST will be lured to the voting booth.
You can count on this: whoever wins a political race has the support of a very low percentage of the eligible voters. If turnout in Jackson County in November hits 40 percent — extremely unlikely — and SPLOST carries by a 55-45 margin, it would have had the support of just 22 percent of the electorate.
For all the supposed interest, the decisions are made by those who act, who show up on election day. Editorials, comments on blogs, the water cooler discussions about the “crooks in office” don’t count for anything.
Mark Beardsley is the editor of The Commerce News. He lives in Commerce.
Only votes will count, and very few of us will actually vote.
Secondly, many people are never even aware of primary runoff elections. These elections are just as important as the Presidential election, but are not broadcasted as such. I propose a neutral campaign, sponsored by an entry fee paid from politicians seeking election, that communicates to the masses via the public emergency broadcasting system on primetime TV or radio. This would allow people access to voting information without the prerequisite of their of interest or motivation.
Thirdly, voting stations need to be ready for large turnouts so voting does not seem like a chore. Standing in line sucks; both Republicans and Democrats can agree about that.
Finally, the playing field needs to be leveled. Many people are partisan voters. George Washington warned the American public that political parties would reduce government to the prophesied mockery that it is today. We didn't heed his warning, and as a result the governing process has essentially halted (See the recent Healthcare debacle for an example). But that's history; what do we do now? I think we should allow for the creation of a user-friendly TV show and/or website that lists candidates and their views on certain issues. Too often people are uneducated. As a result, they vote for Democrats or Republicans depending on their personal stance concerning government's involvement in abortion. That's why on voting day the South is painted the color of a vampire's milkshake. Also, independent and third party candidates should be included, because their ideas are just as noble and valuable as the Red or Blue's. This program could also be funded by the previously mentioned potential politician fee. This what I think about Jackson County's 22% voter turnout, and hopefully you've listened to my opinions. Please relay this to the editor. Maybe my patriotic passion and vampire references (everyone likes Twilight) are worth his time to read.