Tuesday Elections Important to Area's Future

Anderson Observer

Even though it’s not a national election year, there is still democracy at work as most of Anderson County’s townships hold municipal elections on Tuesday.

These so-called off-year elections, generally post the lowest voter turnouts, with often less than 10 percent who a eligible to vote showing up at the polls. 

In fact, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which represents developed and democratic nations very similar to our own, the United States ranks 31st in terms of how many of our eligible voters show up to the polls.

These elections often have little advertising, and generally get very little coverage in the media. But local elections remain important for a number of reasons. 

First, local elections can effect policies that affect you on a daily basis. What projects get funded or given the go ahead in our small towns, can change day-to-day life for citizens in those areas. 

Next, it takes much less research to examine candidates, most of whom are well-known by the voters in each community. Most of these candidates are a phone call or a knock on the door away.

Finally, voting is a right that needs to be exercised, and with short lines and little wait time, local elections are the best place to start. To find out more, and to see a sample of your ballot, visit scvotes.org