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Greene County, Indiana ~ Saturday, October 11, 2008
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Voter turnout was just 45 percent
Posted Thursday, November 8, 2007, at 6:24 AM<< Previous | Read comments | Respond | Email link | Next >>
As the election returns started coming in Tuesday night, I was surprised.
Not at who was leading or who eventually won any of the races. The actual numbers themselves were upsetting. At first glance it appeared that voter turnout in Greene County was well below 40 percent in most precincts, but upon further review Wednesday morning some of the totals were a little better. But not much better. * Linton had a 48.8 percent turnout, as 1,722 of 3,529 voters voted Tuesday. * Bloomfield had a much lower turnout at 35 percent, as 488 of 1,398 voters actually voted. * In Jasonville, 30.9 percent of the registered voters -- 335 of 1,085 -- came out to vote. * In Lyons, 49 percent of the voters turned out to vote -- 161 of 326. * The total for the four cities and towns was 45 percent, as 2,057 of 4,614 voters voted. If you followed any of the races the past couple of months, you have to be surprised by the low turnout in Jasonville and Bloomfield. Jasonville was electing a new mayor for the first time in 12 years, but only 335 people turned out to vote. And according to some, there was a need for a change with the Bloomfield Town Council, but only 488 people took the time to vote. Though the turnout in Linton was almost 50 percent, it's disappointing that it wasn't closer to 60 percent. The Linton mayoral race between incumbent Democrat Tom Jones and Republican Kelly Foglesong was hotly contested, and the talk of the city for weeks leading up to Tuesday. Only 48.8 percent of the registered voters bothered to vote? That's amazing. I know everyone has an opinion about things in Bloomfield, Linton, Jasonville, and Lyons, so why not vote? Even if you don't like either candidate, it's still your responsibility to vote. Select a candidate that comes closest to your views. By not voting only gives our elected officials a false sense of how they're actually doing their jobs. By voting, it's your way of evaluating the mayor and city/town council. There's been a lot of people die in foreign countries to allow everyone the right to vote. It's a shame when more than half of the registered voters don't take the 30 minutes to drive to the polls, wait in line, and vote. Thanks to those who took the time to vote, and to those who didn't, please reconsider next year. Every vote counts, and it takes everyone to make a community a great place to live.
Chris is the general manager/editor for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com Comments Showing most recent comments first [Show in chronological order instead] |
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A person should vote only if they have educated themselves about the candidates. Voteing for the sake of it does not make sence.
It is so sad that more people don't go out and vote. The thing I looked forward to most when I turned 18 was being able to vote. I am so sick of people telling me that they don't vote because it doesn't matter. Come on people!!!! That's what a republic is all about! Lazy Americans who don't care make me so mad. Like many have said, thousands of Americans have spilt their blood to ensure our freedoms, privileges, and rights. Let's honor them and take what they've done for us seriously....Every vote counts!!! Show you care on election day!
Wow... lots of folk just don't care about our city! Remember, if you don't vote you shouldn't complain!!
I absolutely agree, every vote counts. It is disappointing that in the greatest democracy in the free world less than 50% of eligible persons vote. Compare that to Australia, where there is over a 90% voter turnout. Many, many, many of our armed forces have spilled their blood so people can freely vote, not only vote in the US, but around the world. It is a disservice to not only your local community, county, and state, but to the brave men and women who have laid down their lives for this privelege. It takes but a minute. As Chris said, if nothing else it is an evaluation. I urge all eligible persons to register and vote in the next election. As the old saying goes, if you didn't vote, don't complain.
Do these numbers only include voters within the city/town limits? If so Chris and concerned, your absolutely right, everyone needs to be more involved. There is no excuse, if you have to work or can't make it to the polls...plan ahead.... vote by absentee ballot.
You should keep this article and run parts of it before the next election. Voting should be a responsibility of each citizen. We are so lucky to live in a country that allows us to voice our opinion by voting.