Today is the Illinois Primary election and as primaries go, it is predicted to have a low voter turnout (25-30%). Many voters are either apathetic or simply don’t know about primary elections. Unlike general elections where a candidate from each party squares off against the other (Obama vs Romney), the primary election decides the party’s candidate for the general election. So if you complain that there are never any good candidates in a general election, it’s because you didn’t vote for them in the Primary!
Also, primary elections include many local positions and questions. For instance, our county sheriff is being elected today because there is no democrat challenger, so whomever wins the primary vote for sheriff gets the job. We have a semi-closed election in Illinois, meaning that in the Primary you can pick what ballot you want (Republican, Democrat, Green, NonPartisan, etc.). The next primary you can choose a different one! Choose the ballot that gives you a greater voice in the outcome of the elections.
A big local impact that will affect citizens directly is a proposed increase in sales tax from 7.25% to 8.25%. If you only ever vote in general elections, you may be missing out on the chance to voice your opinion on matters that affect you.
We took a family walk to our nearby polling place this morning.
Frugal Boy wasn’t impressed with the democratic process. We’ll have to work on that attitude.
