Be an informed and engaged voter — show up

Published 8:00 am Saturday, April 30, 2016

By now we all have heard the national significance of this year’s election season as we will choose who will lead our country for the next four years. What we cannot forget, however, is the significance of the election year on the local level.

County commission and board of education seats will be determined, as will, our district’s representative in Atlanta. The positions are vastly important, and simply cannot be understated. And just as it’s necessary to have concerned, qualified, informed and motivated candidates to step forward and run for these positions, voters need to possess these traits as well. Voters must be concerned and informed about what’s at stake and the issues of importance affecting their community in order to make informed decisions about how to cast their ballots. They also need to carry the motivation to get out and vote.

Simply put — you have to show up.

Early voting begins next week for the upcoming primary election and will continue through May 20.

Primary election day is July 26.

Know what forms of identification are accepted before going to vote. Photo identification is required and may include a Georgia driver’s license (even if expired), a state or federal issued ID, a valid U.S. passport, a valid military photo ID or a valid tribal ID. If these forms of identification are not accessible, free Voter Identification Cards are available through the county registrar’s office or the Department of Driver Services.

Remember that in local elections, the community’s voice is more powerful than at perhaps any other time in the area’s history.

An inactive and uninformed voting public will not get the job done. Active and engaged citizens can.