Vote!

Published 10:33 pm Saturday, May 21, 2016

Vote!

On Tuesday, we go to the polls once again to make some big choices in this election year. That is the day we as voters whittle down the list of those running for office to either one from each party, or as is most likely the case in these parts, determine who is the “presumptive” officeholder.

As one can tell from the number of road signs and newspaper and local radio ads, this is a very crowded election cycle, given that several individuals, from a Superior Court judge to coroner to chairman of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners, are leaving their posts.

But that’s a healthy thing. The more people running, the more people are involved in the political process and the more choices the voters have.

To help you make those choices, check out the Voter Guide supplement inside today’s newspaper. This guide includes basic information about each candidate, such as their occupation, and also why each candidate believes he or she is the best person for the position they are running for. In addition, we are reprinting a page with sample ballots on Monday to help familiarize you with what you’ll be seeing on Tuesday.

If you are thinking that after Tuesday this “election thing” will be over, think again. The main event, the presidential election, is Nov. 8. But before that, there are the state and local runoffs on July 26 if all of the candidates in an election on Tuesday fail to get “50 plus one,” or a plurality of 50 percent, plus one, of the votes.

Local pundits say that could happen in Whitfield County, with six candidates running for one Magistrate judge position and three running for Superior Court judge. And it could happen on the state level in the U.S. Senate contests.

Keep in mind that Georgia requires voters to show photo identification when they vote in person. Approved forms of identification include a Georgia driver’s license, even if it’s expired; a state-issued voter identification card; a valid U.S. passport; and a valid U.S. military photo ID.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For those of you who participated in early voting, which ended Friday, congratulations. To those of you who are waiting for Tuesday, we hope to see you at your local precinct.