Editor’s note: This op-ed is by Rep. John Zenie, D-Colchester.
During the 2010 legislative session, the Legislature passed the Primary Election Date Change (S.117) to meet the requirements of federal law. The federal law was about ensuring that American voters overseas would have enough time to receive and return ballots in time for November general election deadlines. Gov. Jim Douglas allowed this bill to become law without his signature. One of his concerns with the bill is that changing the date during an election year would not allow enough time to get the word out to voters about the date change. So if you are reading this you now know the date and if you help spread the word we might have a normal turnout for a Primary Election on Aug. 24.
Many people who do vote choose a candidate based on reasons such as political affiliation and the candidate’s position on issues. Every candidate knows the importance of name recognition which, as redundant as it is, is why we all get so much mail, advertisements and yard signs that come in multiples only a few feet apart. Having a name that is related to a retail operation has helped a number of candidates. Also having a family name that is well know within the state helps to get votes. With these methods of how people vote we have very low turnouts and results that are not always peoples choice. Primary elections have turnouts well below 50 percent. Is this the best we can do in choosing our leaders?
Over the years there have been some major improvements to the election process to help get a better turnout. The absentee ballot is now also known as the early vote ballot where busy people can request a ballot and complete and return it before both primary and general election days. There is also the movement called “Get Out the Vote” held by many organizations both political and non-political. There are several countries that have made voting compulsory including Australia which resulted in voter turnout to go above 90 percent. Should America go that way also, or should we find some other way of improving voter turnout?
There are people who want to vote but they have their reasons not to. The two biggest reasons that I hear are apathy and complexity of the issues. Apathy comes when the voters hear the same thing every election year by every candidate about such things such as lowering taxes, supporting education and improved health care. Even though the candidates may be sincere in wanting to make these changes, the ones elected fail to meet the voters’ expectations. Please don’t let apathy stop you from voting. The second reason that some people do not vote is that they do not have the time to understand the complexity of the issues. For example, every candidate wants to increase the number of jobs in the state and each has a plan. How is a voter able to have the time to understand the different approaches and evaluate which plan makes the most sense?
For those who do have difficulties getting to the polls here are a few ideas that you might consider to help you to be a part of choosing our next leaders. Candidates are people who have a history that demonstrates who they are. Read about their backgrounds to see what they value and what principles are important to them. See if their backgrounds have the qualities that you believe in. Do you have a friend, neighbor, or relative whose judgment you trust on such matters? Talk with them because your established relationship will help you with your ballot choices. Get a copy of the ballot from your town clerk so you can study who is running for which positions. Here is the one for Colchester: http://colchestervt.gov/TownClerk/images/BALLOTS082410.pdf. If there are some positions that you are not comfortable in choosing anyone, it is alright to leave them blank.
Maybe all some people need is to have a voting buddy to share this valuable experience. Please do get out to vote and if you need some help please ask for it.
