Around the Tri-State, the buzz is that this year’s Election Day might see a whole bunch of candidates for local races, but few people at the polls.

Thursday, October 28, 1999

Around the Tri-State, the buzz is that this year’s Election Day might see a whole bunch of candidates for local races, but few people at the polls.

That prediction shouldn’t be a shocker to too many people. The last couple of elections in Ohio – one of which was a governor’s race – yielded extremely low turnout. Many people might have been talking about who would be Ohio’s next governor, but they didn’t get out to the polls.

If that happens next Tuesday, there could be some sticky situations in some county races. With so many candidates to split the votes, if too few people turn out to make their choice, the next school board member, village councilman or other city official might be someone only a minority of the public has chosen.

That means someone who would be a bad influence on the school district, village or city might be elected by default.

The right to vote is a sacred trust. Citizens were given that opportunity so they could keep an eye on government. That is the purpose of a democracy – to allow voters to throw out someone who is not doing his or her job or to elect the person they feel is best-suited for the job.

Not casting a vote is like saying "I don’t care what happens to my community."

Placing your future and those of your children in the hands of a random candidate is not the way to make a community better. Your vote does count. There have been many elections in Lawrence County decided over the years by less than five votes.

Even if you have not been paying too much attention to the election until now, there is still plenty of time to get the information you need. Do a little research and make a decision this weekend on whom you feel would be the best candidate.

Then, take your choice to the polls Tuesday. That is one quick, easy way to make a difference.