In just a few days, Georgia citizens will have the opportunity to go to the polls and vote in their local elections on Election Day 2007.  Since it is not a big year for elections – there will be no elections for officials at the federal or state level until 2008 – many citizens will bypass this opportunity to vote.  This is truly unfortunate because Election Day 2007 will be a great opportunity for citizens to have a say in who takes the reins of leadership in their cities and counties.  It is a sad reality of modern times that many Georgians will go about their business next Tuesday and disregard their right to vote. 

The embarrassingly low levels of voter turnout in the U.S. as compared to other democracies are a cause of concern.  The U.S. is 20th out of 21 in voter turnout among established democracies – only Switzerland has lower voter turnout than turnout in U.S. presidential elections.

Of the more than 66 million Americans ages 18-34, only 53 percent or 36 million registered to vote during the 2004 cycle.  Of those 36 million, only 29.9 million actually voted, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  Voter participation among the age 18-34 demographic was easily the lowest among all other age groups.  By comparison, turnout is 70-75 percent in Canada and well over 80 percent in most other democracies.  Even many fragile new democracies have turnout levels far higher than ours.  Voters risked their lives in the newly formed democracies of Afghanistan and Iraq to get to the ballot box.  Higher voter turnout is an important component towards government truly representing the will of the citizens.  

We talk about “majority rules,” yet a majority of our population does not even vote in most elections. Most people think they’re covered if they vote in the big elections, like the presidential election or congressional elections, but what they don't realize is the place where their vote counts the most are the smaller, local and primary elections.  City council members, mayors, state legislators and governors make more decisions that effect your every day life than anybody else in the country, yet the elections for these positions typically have the worst voter turn out.  Turnout for special elections, such as Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) votes, are even more dismal, as many citizens do not know that they are bypassing an opportunity to lower their taxes. 

Historically, voter turnout is much smaller in the primary election than in the general election.  One of the complaints is that voters don’t know enough about primary candidates.  In this age of technology however, there are many resources available to inform voters on the candidates and their issues.  One valuable resource is the Secretary of State’s Elections division.  You can visit them on the web at www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/ or call (404) 656-2871 and obtain information on elections, voter registration and campaign disclosures. 
 
Another excuse for low voter turnout is that it is difficult to get away from work in order to vote.  Many voters don’t know that Georgia law requires employers to grant their workers up to two hours to vote on the day of an election.  The employer is authorized to specify the hours that an employee may use, but there is no obligation for an employer to pay the employee for the time taken to vote. 

With today’s political, economic and social climate, now is the time for each of us to make our voice heard.  In a world where most people are content to remain silent, even the smallest of voices can become a loud cry.  The last two presidential elections and the recent special election for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District proved that every vote counts.  It is important for all Americans to register to vote and participate in the voting process during the elections.  We need to get involved at the local level, participate in community programs and have a say in school agendas.  It’s our civic right to be able to make our voices be heard without fear of intimidation, retaliation, discrimination or ridicule.  Exercise this right for this is what our ancestors fought so hard to deliver 

Your vote is your voice in the governance of your city, county, state and country.  As a citizen, you declare your rights and privileges with your vote.  Contrary to popular belief, one vote – your vote – does make a difference.  

Please feel free to contact Sen. Chip Pearson at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.9221 or by email at chip@team51.org.