Voter turnout above state average but could be better

The right to vote is one of the most important liberties guaranteed to us by the U.S. Constitution, yet people often take it for granted. Just take a look at any of the voting turnout totals in the past 40 to 50 years or so.

Of the 19,864 registered voters in Franklin County, only 2,678 cast a ballot in the June 16 runoff election. This equates to just 13.48% of all voters taking part in the process.

On the one hand, that number was above the state average, which checked in at an abysmal 10.72% — a 2% drop from runoff elections held in 2022 — and higher than in neighboring Lauderdale and Colbert counties at an average of 8%.

Still, the totals from Franklin County aren’t exactly something to write home about either.

Granted there are numerous factors that influence voter turnout such as the number of local races, any impactful amendments up for a vote, and any high-profile races such as for governor or president.

In Franklin County, the lone local race up for grabs was for the District 1 county commissioner’s seat, which Curtis Baker claimed.

The most highprofile statewide race was arguably the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in which Barry Moore came away victorious.

For positions like lieutenant governor, agriculture commissioner or the public service commission, the interest from average voters simply isn’t there. It’s a hard truth, but it’s simply a reality.

However, the impact from those positions often is felt more directly than you may realize.

The lieutenant governor is often a future frontrunner for the governor’s seat, while the agriculture commissioner has a heavy influence on policy and decisions that directly impact farmers, ranchers, etc.

Even the public service commissioners play a pivotal role in your everyday life, ranging from ensuring your electric bills aren’t intentionally being exploited, to holding water standards in check across the state.

It’s easy to get caught up in the national or statewide talking points. You can even find yourself taking an interest in the campaign advertising for positions that won’t directly have an impact on you — heaven knows there were plenty of those to go around this time.

But before the next election rolls around, take a little more time to do your own research and figure out why each election held is important for you, your family, your neighbors and your community.

We give high fives to those in Franklin County who turned out for the June 16 runoff election but there is always room for improvement.

In a day and time where seemingly everything has become politicized, it’s more important than ever to make your voice heard and the best way to do that is by going to the polls. After all, if you don’t take part in the process of determining who your elected officials are, your arguments about what decisions those officials do or do not make may not hold water.

So, in November’s general election, take five minutes out of your day and go to your voting precinct, check off a few boxes, and have a say in who will represent your interests for the next few years.

Because the fallout from every election has consequences — more so than you might think.