This year’s presidential campaign has captured the lion’s share of election-related coverage. But that spirited political contest won’t be decided until November. But on Tuesday, August 2nd, a lot of very important local candidate races and ballot issues are at stake. And we, the voters, have an opportunity to decide the outcome because every vote counts!
Getting eligible voters to the polls for an August Primary isn’t easy. Summer activities and family vacations are usually bigger concerns. In the 2012 Michigan Primary, only about one-fifth of the more than 7 million eligible voters cast their ballots. Now compare that to the 63-percent turnout in the General Election 4 years ago.
We urge you to not overlook how much the Primary Election affects our individual lives. On the ballot will be Congressional, State Representative and judgeship races. Many communities will also face local millage questions to vote up or down. And the regional Detroit Zoo Millage Renewal will be on the ballot in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties.
Take time to go to our wxyz.com website where we have posted a link that will allow you to view your sample ballot, request or track your absentee ballot, find your polling place and answer other questions you may have.
https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/MVIC/
Tip O’Neil, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, once said, “All politics is local!” Primary elections are at the heart of local politics. Don’t wait until November to exercise your constitutional right to make your voice heard. Every election and every vote counts!
I’m Chuck Stokes, Editorial Director
Broadcast: July 28 - 31
