Election season remains in full swing within our community. With the Yazoo City municipal primary elections behind us, we are now preparing for the general election in April. And voters will return to the polls next week for the state primary elections.
Locally, we can expect some new direction on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen with three new leaders assuming aldermen posts. Ward 4 Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas will return to her seat. And voters will determine the next leaders within the mayoral and Ward 1 alderman post in April.
What continues to alarm us, however, is the voter turnout within our electoral process. Based on the city’s primary election numbers, there are 8,493 registered voters in Yazoo City. However, those same figures showed that only 1,463 votes were cast. That is only about 17 percent of registered voters who headed to the polls for the primary election.
With the recent Ward 1 runoff election, there are 2,361 registered voters in that district. But only 296 votes were cast.
Since the last municipal election, voter turnout continues on the decline within our local elections. During the last city election, only about 19 percent of registered voters headed to the polls. However, it should also be noted that registered voters within Yazoo City have decreased by 179 voters.
It is shocking to see that less than 20 percent of Yazoo City’s voters headed to the polls. It is a trend that this newspaper has seen in both city and county elections. Voter participation rates have not been as healthy as perhaps desired.
Low voter turnout is not unique to Yazoo. Multiple surveys show that low voter turnout for local elections is quite common. Elections that are steeped in controversy and headlines obviously entice more attention with voters. But it is our opinion that every election should merit attention.
The future of one’s community can be determined at the polls. Leadership, qualifications and positive momentum should be the foundation of every vote cast. But everyone is entitled to their own vote and their own opinion on who they believe is a qualified candidate to serve in a leadership position.
But it’s hard to play the game if one doesn’t even show up to the stadium. The voting precincts are the starting point to the direction of a community. As a citizen, one should be proud to participate in the voting process. Much work, sweat and tears have been shed during voting rights movements. And their work should not be in vain.
Honor the work of those before us by participating in the voting process. Regardless if the outcome is what one desires, the act of casting a vote is a step in the process.
Complaints and criticism come abundantly in the game of politics. But at least a vote validates your seat at the table.
We encourage local voters to shift the low voter turnout rate within our community. Your vote does matter, regardless if you are not optimistic about your desired direction. Voters determine the direction of our community, and we need more people at the wheel. A healthy voter turnout symbolizes what the majority of the people want in leadership. A small piece of the recipe doesn’t represent the final dish.
Please exercise your right to vote. Remember those who sacrificed so that you could.
