Voters, there’s a lot more on the November 4 ballot than the presidency. And with time winding down, (assuming you haven’t already voted) it’s time to learn, at least a little, about the other races.
We continue to hear early voters say they left questions blank or were caught by surprise, because they didn’t realize there were so many races to be decided on November 4. A sample ballot appeared in the Progress last week and appears again in this week’s C section.
Besides the presidential race, local voters should remember our own top post (sole commissioner) will be decided November 4. Incumbent Rob Jones faces Vince McPherson on the ballot. With issues like courthouse expansion, parks and sewers pending, it’s time to figure which candidate best represents your views.
There’s a local coroner race between incumbent Kevin Roper and Lonnie Waters. Though it’s hard to think of a question to ask a coroner, now would be the time to do that.
For City of Jasper voters, there’s a city council race with three candidates running: Greg Burgess, Barry Cheshire, Donnie Low. Jasper voters also get the chance to decide if restaurants within the city limits will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays. This is a binding vote. A collective yes un-corks Sunday bottles.
On the regional level, our congressman, Nathan Deal, faces a challenge at this election from Jeff Scott. Deal and Scott will be in Jasper Saturday to face questions in a public forum. There has been only the most minimal campaign activity in Pickens regarding this race, but this elected post is a very important one. Our congressman is this community’s direct link to Washington (where those good folks are always doing so much to look after us).
In state-level races, neither of our state legislators faces a contest at the polls. But two state public service commissioner seats will be decided.
More distantly, in the federal realm, one of Georgia’s two U.S. Senate seats is up for grabs this time with Saxby Chambliss facing challenger Jim Martin. Chambliss will also be in Jasper this Saturday.
Most confusing of all, three Georgia constitutional amendments will be approved or rejected by voters, November 4.
The local League of Women Voters deserves much credit for hosting political forums, including last week’s on the amendments and this weekend’s congressional square-off. The group sees that voters get solid, non-partisan information.
Even if you don’t take the time to educate yourself on intricacies of the public service commission, don’t go to the voting booth completely unprepared. Go without a clue on how you’ll vote in local and state races, and you’ll be there a while. And your lack of preparation could frustrate your neighbors, waiting behind you to cast their ballots.
Using the Internet, you can find everything from cut-and-dried explanations of amendments to news reports, to information put out by the candidates themselves––not to mention blogs galore.
Here in this paper, you’ll find an article on the amendments to be decided, stories on some candidates plus political advertisements. There is information on both the Chambliss visit and the congressional debate. In ads, many local candidates list websites, e-mails and phone numbers in case you really want to quiz them on an issue.
You’ll find lots of info on local races at the political directory on our website: www.pickensprogress.com. With more information than even the most hardcore political junkie can absorb, there’s no excuse for making an un-informed voting decision.
Living at liberty in a free republic requires responsibility. Educate yourself and vote! |
|
