Voters shouldn’t ignore bottom of ballot items
I was delighted that North Carolina finally had a say in the nominating process for president of the United States but disheartened to read that many voters chose not to cast votes in the down contests and bond issues on the ballot. Those contests and bond issues were vitally important for our state, county, and city.
Whether pro or con, voters should have voted their preference. If we choose not to say anything, we then cannot voice an opinion or lodge a complaint. We have a civic duty to educate ourselves and vote. Anyone with access to the Internet can learn about candidates and their positions, as well as what the bond issues would or would not do.
I hope in November those enthusiastic presidential voters will follow through, educate themselves and vote on all items on the ballot.
Margaret E. Mrstik
Greensboro
Comments (7)
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It's interesting that voters approved most of the bonds but rejected the sales tax increase. My interpretation is that the bonds are somehow someone elses money but the sales tax comes directly from each purchase a consumer makes.
As for the letter, if voters don't have the time and/or desire to learn about every person/issue on the ballot it's better they skip that particular vote than take a wild guess. Face it, not everyone is going to spend the time to learn about every district court judge on the ballot.
Posted on May 9, 2008 6:45 AM
When voting popular, what were the popular voters really saying . . . there is a certian amount of apathy among the popular voters . . . in all things.
Posted on May 9, 2008 8:29 AM
Hi Margaret,
If I didn't have my PAC letter, I would have skipped the bottom of the ballot also. I didn't even know these were choices I was going to have to make until I downloaded a sample ballot online. Who were those people?
You mentioned that I should educate myself for November. While this would be a constructive way to spend my time, I would rather roll naked over nails than spend hours listening to political rhetoric or reading through candidate websites full of words and promises that mean nothing to me. Thank goodness the PAC and knowledgeable friends provide a ballot "Cliff Notes".
See you in November.
Posted on May 9, 2008 11:01 AM
Dan,
I find myself in agreement with you regarding the bonds.
A lot of people just can't get the idea that bonds will increase their property taxes. Those who don't pay them directly just don't give a shit.
What tickled me most was that almost exactly 25% of voters voted to INCREASE the sales tax!
That many people feel that they don't pay enough taxes really blows my mind.
Posted on May 9, 2008 11:06 AM
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At the risk of repeating myself ... yet again ... one of the freedoms we have in the US is the freedom to NOT vote. Unlike Australia, where one is liable to fine and/or incarceration for non-participation, we can still abstain if we so choose. This applies to any item on the ballot, or the entire ballot if we so choose.
If you want to vote on all items, Ms. Mrstik, knock yourself out. By all means, vote on anything or everything on the ballot if that's to your liking.
But DON'T you tell me, or anyone else, what we should do when it comes to voting. Who the hell do you think you are? Back off! I, and everyone else, will do as we damn well please when it comes to voting!
Your suggestion that everyone should vote on every ballot item is contemptible, Ms. Mrstik.
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Posted on May 9, 2008 1:19 PM
Obama was a big winner, young people like Obama, young people don't pay property taxes, young people do pay sales tax. It kinda makes sense.
Posted on May 9, 2008 1:47 PM
"My interpretation is that the bonds are somehow someone elses money but the sales tax comes directly from each purchase a consumer makes."
W-R-O-N-G!!
Bonds offer tangible product.....investment in our community. A school, jail, sidewalks, sewer etc. are used by multiple generations with the cost spread out rather than shouldered by 'today's' taxpayer. Excellent strategy, especially since rates will be even lower when the bonds are issued.
Sales tax has no "SPECIFIC" goals attached. Just a blank check.
Posted on May 10, 2008 10:49 PM