McCaysville experienced an extremely low voter turnout when only 189 ballots were cast by over 700 registered voters last Tuesday, reflecting a scary indifference to city government.
With the city changing at a rapid pace, and Highway 5 improvements sure to fuel more changes, a heavy turnout would have been expected. Instead, voters showed up in number almost identical to 2015 when 166 votes were cast in the mayor’s race compared to 180 this year.
A positive alcohol decision by a 90 to 87 margin reflected an almost split opinion in a city where expectations were that Sunday sales of beer and wine would be defeated.
Exactly how much these figures say about McCaysville, or about elections in general, is anyone’s guess.
But there is certainly a large amount of voter apathy. When only one in four registered voters bother to show up, then no one can say a mandate has been sent to government. In fact, government may see such a turnout as a “do what you want, we don’t care” message.
This is the last thing America needs. Government – the people who direct it – must be held accountable by all citizens.
Ballots in 2020 will feature what may likely be the most important decisions this country has ever made. There is no place for voter apathy.
There is no place for excuses. Voting is easy and with early voting, absentee voting and election day hours, there is no reason any voter should not make his or her wishes known.
Don’t be like the majority of McCaysville voters. Go vote when the 2020 elections arrive. Don’t lose the right.