EDITORIAL: Don’t stay home, go vote

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, November 1, 2023

We are in the last stretch of early voting in Baldwin County and so far just a little more than 500 registered citizens have cast ballots as of Tuesday morning.

That’s abysmal.

There are more than 27,500 registered voters in Baldwin County.

While we recognize that there is just one item, a 1-cent sales tax for transportation projects, on the local ballot this year, this is still an important election.

Voting access is not afforded to everyone and it’s certainly not granted to citizens in every corner of the world.

Perhaps you haven’t voted because this isn’t a major election year and you don’t think this decision is important or worth the trouble. Or maybe you don’t see how this election will directly impact you and your bottom line. You may not realize it but this sales tax vote will determine whether or not some roads in Baldwin County will get much-needed upgrades and how the work will be funded. Road infrastructure impacts all of us and nearly every facet of our everyday lives.

If approved, the T-SPLOST will run from 2024 to 2029, collecting up to $45 million for local transportation projects. The monies will be split 65% for the county and 35% for the city.

Don’t let a small few make this decision that will impact so many people.

We have already issued a call to support this sales tax and outlined the benefits for Baldwin County. However you choose, we implore you to make a choice and let your voice be heard.

The fate of the local 1-cent transportation sales tax is in the hands of voters to decide.

Don’t sit this one out. Head to the polls and vote.

Early voting ends this Friday at 5 p.m.

The last ballots will be cast on Election Day next Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.