The Day The Negativity Ends

The best part about Election Day is it means an end to negative advertising, unsolicited flyers in the mail, campaign promises that won’t be kept and lawn signs that frankly just add to the liter problem we have.

I say that partly with “tongue in cheek” and partly feeling that way but clearly the election process has turned off more people than it’s turned on. With spectacular weather today I’m sure officials are hoping for a better than average turnout at the polls but I would imagine the overwhelming majority of those who can vote simply won’t bother. And you know what…that’s okay.

The truth of the matter is that who cares how many people vote today? Sure it would be wonderful if everyone took advantage of their right to determine who their elected representatives are but it’s the fact they have the right that really counts. This is considered an off-year election as the only thing we’ll decide on a state-wide basis is all 80 members of the General Assembly. In Ocean County there are eight seats up for grabs in the 9th, 10th, 12th and 30th districts. On a county level there are seats on the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the County Clerk.

In truth where our vote is most likely to count is on a local level and in recent years we’ve seen several races decided by very small margins. Plus if you think about it local elections are ones that might most impact your life on a daily basis. There are municipal races for several mayors and many council and committee seats. You will also likely find on your ballot races for the Board of Education.

Up until a couple of years ago that was part of a separate election in April but the dates were combined in order to save money and attract greater voter participation. That may be true but unfortunately many BOE seats will be decided by uninformed and uninterested voters. They will go into the booth to cast votes for Assembly, Freeholder and municipal spots and then come face to face with choices for the school board, names they know nothing about.

There’s a good chance they’ll press the button for the first name or two they see or maybe one that sounds nice. Since schools are such an important part of the community and so much of our tax dollars go to fund them I’ve reversed my stance and feel those elections should not be part of general election day in November.

So if you want to vote today then please do so but at least have some idea of what buttons your pressing before you get into the booth. To me a totally uninformed vote has less value then no vote at all.