Where were majority of voters?
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In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
Last week we had an election that gave our citizens an opportunity to let their voices be heard on the leadership and direction of our county, our state and our nation.
The primary elections are for each of the political parties to determine their candidates to go into the general election that will be held in November. To vote in the primary we must choose the ballot of the political party for which we want to vote. In November the candidates of both parties will be combined on one ballot so we will all have the opportunity to vote for the candidates of either party. Yes, it’s confusing for some to understand.
I want to thank everyone who took time to go to their polls and exercise their duty/right to vote. BUT where were the 70% of Coosa County’s registered voters who DID NOT show up? Each voting day has 12 hours available to get to the poll and cast your ballot. Are you just lazy, are you not interested in how your government operates, or are you so happy with the direction our country is going in that you don’t think you need to voice your opinion? Whatever your answer, if you DID NOT take advantage of voting, DO NOT complain about anything that is going on. You forfeited the right to complain when you chose not to do your DUTY!
A special thanks to those of you who voted to approve the Coosa County Ambulance service funding. If you have the unfortunate need to call an ambulance you will have a much better chance of getting one than in the past. While I appreciate the services from Goodwater and Kellyton, the southern and western sides of Coosa County needed an ambulance closer to us. And, that ambulance is now available to help those two ambulances be more responsive in their own areas.
I spent election day in an entirely new way this year. I volunteered to serve as a poll worker! That is one part of politics I had never participated in. While serving as the chair of the Coosa County Republican Party I was not eligible to be a poll worker, but I had been a poll WATCHER. This time I was able to fully understand the entire process of the voting system.
It is a well-oiled machine of people who make sure our votes are secure, correct and organized. Yes, it is a long 14-hour day, but it is also an opportunity to get to know people better, meet new people and learn who our neighbors are. I spent the day in the great community of Weogufka and was able to put faces to names I had only heard.
If you really want to do your civic duty, consider offering to serve as a poll worker. Contact Probate Judge Richard Dean, and he will be happy to put you on a waiting list. Generally speaking the main workers – especially the inspector – are people who have worked before and understand the system. But sometimes people get sick at the last minute, and they need people who can step in – that’s what I did.
Also, we have an aging population, and younger people are always needed to learn the process. What was really great was spending the day with Joseph Weathers, a senior from our high school, who was given an opportunity to gain experience about our voting system. This is another wonderful thing going on at Central Coosa to introduce our children to the real world and their duty as citizens.
So, if you voted on a Republican ballot last week OR did not vote at all, please return to the polls on April 16 and vote in the run-off for Coosa County circuit clerk. This is a particularly important position in our local government. If you voted on the Democratic ballot you will not be able to vote in the run-off since it is a contest within the Republican Party only.
There is so much going on in our nation right now that I’d like to talk about, but it would take most of the newspaper! I’ll leave that to next week, but pay attention and keep your heads down – we are in a very dangerous time from many areas. Hopefully, I can share that with you next week – along with another personal first!
God bless you all!