Monday, July 14, 2008

Be Counted

It might be easy at this point in this presidential election year to start tuning out the overwhelming election coverage. Every day, the media scrutinizes the latest candidate commentary, polls, and hidden agendas with fist-bumps and tie colors.But a little closer to home, it's a good time to tune in and turn out - Tuesday, July 15 is election day. The importance of the next commander-in-chief has a tendency to overshadow the local races, but that shouldn't be the case. Local elections determine the leadership of the community where you live in work every day - or those who will represent your community in the statewide arena. It's essential that you take the opportunity to participate in deciding who those leaders will be. Those elected in Tuesday's local elections will play a central role in defining the area's economic strides, growth, laws, ordinances, taxes and educational system. From the amount of greenspace in the area to the amount of math your child is required to take in high school, these elected officials will touch multiple aspects of your life.You owe it to yourself and the community to make your voice heard. To find out more about the candidates and view a sample ballot for your county, go to the Athens Banner-Herald Activote page*. For information on where to vote, visit the local board of elections for Athens-Clarke or Oconee counties. It's your right - exercise it. *To view candidates from your county, select "Candidates" in the top navigation. On the page that opens, select Local > Athens Banner-Herald > County > (County Name).

No comments: