If you are reading this, you probably are voting in the election next Tuesday, November 3rd. But there is something more you can do: encourage your neighbors, friends and loved ones to do the same!You'd think from the blizzard of signs, the deluge of political mail, the chatter in the media, the strident rhetoric and the plethora of candidates and issues that this year is shaping up as a record turn-out. And you would be wrong.
The record for voter turn-out was set back in 2005 when the same four incumbents seeking re-election today were all handily elected by the 32,823 voters who participated. It was the first time in decades that a majority of voters have turned out for a local election.
This time, only about 30% of the voters are projected to actually go to the trouble of voting, just like two years ago.
How do we know? Overall voter registration is up 10% over two years ago. So is voting by mail, which two years ago was nearly 60% of the total votes. Yet with only three working days left for the County to receive mail ballots, returns are only 10% ahead of two years ago. Without a last minute surge in mail ballots and voting on Tuesday at the polls, the percentage will actually be lower than two years ago. So despite the clamor around this election, most voters are simply ignoring it.
The funny thing is, just one year ago, we had the highest national voter turn out in a generation. People realized then that elections matter. If you don't vote, you not only forfeit your authority to complain -- you lose your opportunity to shape the future. What's being decided on Tuesday is the future direction of Ventura, including the level of environmental protection, emergency response and maintenance of our streets, sidewalks, parks and trees. It is not just the people who will sit on the City Council and School Board -- but three key ballot measures.
There are a few days left. Talk to the people you know, especially young people. Tell them why you are voting, what matters to you in this election. If they need voter information, it is easily accessible on-line here, with more information on Measure A, the voter's verdict on city service levels here.
Last minute attacks, of course, can discourage turn-out. "They're all crooks and liars," is something you hear too often.
But you know better. You know the people who serve our City are decent people. But they have very different views about controversial issues. They bring very different leadership skills. They represent different philosophies of government.
Elections matter.
Let's see if we can get more than one out of every three voters to participate in deciding the future direction of our community. Time is short!
4 comments:
We all know that mid-term elections are notoriously low on voter turnout, that is exactly why councils place tax increase proposals on the ballot at that time.
The law should read that anytime a majority of the council is up for re-election not tax proposal is allowed on the ballot. After all if we succeed in removing all of the mind-set incumbents there could well be a change of mind about tax increases on the council.
One suggestion - Instead of focusing on how many won't be voting - how about focusing on those who will! The positive attitude gets the attention and positive feedback.
Also a thought - possibly more would be voting if we felt our feelings and ideas were being truly listened to. Holding public meetings at times when many are not available and at locations which are not accessible - does not promote positive.
ps - I have already voted by absentee ballot.
I appreciate everyone who communicates the importance of voting!
I would like to comment also on mj/pngwnz's comments.
In my experience, there is a limitless list of what public officials could do better so that eligible voters would vote. Public officials surely have a role, but I think that the mindset of many Americans is the ultimate barrier to voting. If one believes that positive change is not possible, and/or that once elected, every official is bought and is dishonest, why vote? Of course then, why get up in the morning either?
Let's vote!
The voter turn out is going to be a sad state affairs. Partly because of the financial losses that occurred under the incumbent’s watch, desperate plea for Prop A taxation to provide for police/fire, potholes, and save the poorly used library. The unnecessary prop B and C, which smell of Police Union and Grocer union smear campaigns of Wal-Mart, Incumbent council man, and city no growthers.
Apathy is giving way to the bad politics of it all. Ventura Police Union, grocer unions, and friends of the hillsides should be ashamed of their tactics and resulting distrust most people have come to see with their organizations. Political candidates were not sincere to denounce the bad-smear campaign the ruins free speech.
We will see if the bullies win out, but then again it may be "who cares" going forward as it is always the same good old boy choice in Ventura. How sad, but I will vote.
Pat Kelley, Ventura
Post a Comment