Mount Paran Northside Citizens Association

VOTER APATHY AT ALARMING HIGHS IN SUMMER VOTE

Oct 22, 2004

Democracy Is Not A Spectator Sport

Nevertheless the majority of registered voters did not participate in the summer elections. Voter turnout at Jackson School was about 30% for the July 20 Primary and Special Election compared to a citywide turnout of 30.65%. Turnout at Jackson was 18% for the August 10 Runoff Election compared to an overall turnout of only 17.31%. It?’s not surprising that Secretary of State Cathy Cox asked this unsettling question: ?“Was there an election today??”

The lack of voter participation is perplexing. Even so, we will continue to provide information on future elections with the expectation that more citizens will become engaged. The General Election will be held on November 2. The ballot will include elections for President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate, State House of Representatives, District Attorney, Clerk of Superior Court, Solicitor General, Fulton County Sheriff, Fulton County Tax Commissioner, and Surveyor. The ballot will contain Constitutional Amendments and other questions.

If you can?’t get to the polls on November 2, there are other opportunities to cast a ballot. You can vote absentee by picking up absentee ballot applications at the Country Store, the fire station at the corner of Northside and West Conway, the public library on Northside Parkway, or online (see below). You can also vote early (advance voting without a reason) from October 25 through October 29 from 8:30AM to 5:00PM at the Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor St. (404-730-7020) or the North Annex at 7741 Roswell Rd. (770-551-7676). On October 30 and November 1 you can go to one of the government centers above to vote absentee on the spot; however, you must give a reason why you can?’t vote on November 2. You can go online (myfultoncountyga.us or sos.state.ga.us) to register to vote, request an absentee ballot application, view a sample ballot in mid-September, find out what district you live in and the names of your representatives, learn about candidates and much more.

November 2 ?– General Election (7AM to 7PM)
November 23 ?– Runoff (if necessary)