6 key reasons to vote in May 19’s primary
Many voters don’t seem to realize the primary election is one of the most important phases of an election. We encourage our voters not to make that mistake. Take the time on May 19 to go to the polls and exercise your right to vote.
The primary election next Tuesday will play a part in determining who will represent the Republicans and the Democrats in several key races that will appear on the November general election – U.S. Senate and U.S. House races, Alabama’s races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, and two seats on the Public Service Commission. Local races to be decided include the sheriff, District 1 county commissioner, and county coroner races, as well as six seats on Franklin’s Republican Executive Committee.
But getting voters interested in the primary election is a challenge. Nationwide, primaries only see an average of 20% turnout.
So why should the voters in Franklin County bother with going to the polls? Here’s six good reasons why: 1) The primary is one of the most important phases of an election. With fewer people voting, every vote carries more weight. Because turnouts are typically low, the adage that every vote counts is especially true in this election.
2) Primaries separate stronger candidates from weaker ones. For example: On this year’s primary ballot there are six Democrats and three Republicans running for governor, and four Democrats and seven Republicans running for the state’s open U.S. Senator’s post. The votes of those participating in the primary will help narrow those fields down to the best 1 or 2 choices.
3) Primaries can feature ballot measures that need to be voted on. Tuesday’s ballot includes two such measures – Statewide Amendments 1 and 2. It also includes two local fire districts seeking a $3 monthly fee for operations (see story Page 1A).
Amendment 1 would make it possible for a judge to deny bail for the following offenses: shooting or discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling or other occupied space, or any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder.
Amendment 2 would provide that the compensation of a district attorney may not be diminished during his or her term of office.
4) Voter turnout at primaries helps determine where campaigns and parties will put more (or less) effort towards the general election. More voting often means more attention and resources.
5) The primaries play a key role in shaping the final platforms of the major candidates in the November election. It’s not unusual for a party’s chosen candidate to adopt aspects of the platforms of other candidates if those ideas have generated strong public support.
6) The right to vote is an important one to exercise. The primary election provides another opportunity for our citizens to have a say in governmental actions that will affect their lives in many ways.
Every election is important; that’s why all voters should go to the polls on May 19 and let their voices be heard through the ballot box.
We often hear people complain about government, but when asked if they bothered to vote, too many say “no.” That is just not acceptable. American citizenship, which includes the right to complain, is earned through voting.
The more people who show up to vote on May 19, the stronger the message we will send to those candidates who end up serving us for the next four years.
