Primarily speaking, less than 20% sucks

Short-story-long disclaimer: I am a 4×4 voter (someone who has voted in all four of the last four elections – including primaries and off-years). As a political science undergrad, voting is a moral imperative. It isn’t something that I take, or do, lightly. But almost more important than electing a given candidate of my choice is the simple exercise of voting.

Those of us here at TCCa, though completely politically asexual and nonpartisan, care about “the issues.” We work through political avenues locally (and at the Capitol) to create a more friendly environment for creative, knowledge-based businesses in the region and the state. That’s politics baby. And it’s clear to us as individuals that voting is one means by which to affect the change we so desire.

In addition to creative issues, I also can’t help but care about the political perspective on environmental issues. Many people in this community are concerned about poverty, school systems and crime. Many people around the state are concerned about losing their homes, gas prices and health care. I heard today that GM is laying off thousands of auto workers across the country. Those people will be pointedly concerned about unemployment. These issues are all inextricably linked to politics, politicians and who we vote for.

So, eh…WHAT GIVES?

Why is it (major press-fueled assumption coming) that in such a dramatic political and economic climate no one is voting? I get that state primaries always face a lower turnout. And sure, it’s been a busy day. But this is important. This is, dare I utter the cliche, “American.”

I don’t mean to harp, but come on people. I am seriously disappointed, Savannah. We (especially here at TCCa) believe in open, participatory dialogue and intelligent action. We encourage discussion and a better, stronger community. Some major issues that affect this community depend on the outcome of today’s election (as Jim Morekis argues in a recent Connect Savannah Editor’s Note):

“You now have a golden chance to help pick our next DA. In terms of immediate impact on your life and your community, the DA is the single most important position we have, bar none. A police chief can only catch criminals — not try them and put them behind bars. Our mayor’s power is limited to one vote out of nine on city council. A congressperson has little real power until they’ve gained 20 or 30 years of seniority. And unless you’re in the armed forces, a president’s decisions usually affect you and your family only tangentially. Because the DA is such a key official, this week we take the unusual step of interviewing all four Democratic candidates for DA.”

How can that outcome possibly reflect the wishes and concerns of us all if less than 20% of us do the talking? ‘Cause if you don’t get out the vote, you ain’t got much room to complain about who gets elected and what comes of that.

And, since nothing punctuates a soap box like a little effusive quotation, I’ll leave you with these parting words…