by Janice Garry, President, League of Women Voters of Alachua County
Have you made a voting plan? Voting can be one of those things that you know is coming up, but seems remote, and then, suddenly, the day arrives. That’s why the League of Women Voters of Alachua County (LWVAC) encourages each person to think ahead and make a plan on where you will be and how you will vote.
All the important dates and information can be found on the Supervisor of Elections website, but here are a few to pay attention to. Oct. 7 is the deadline for registering to vote. Oct. 21 – Nov. 3 is the period for early voting. Oct. 24 is the deadline to complete a Vote by Mail application. Nov. 5 is election day. If you’re going to be out of town or unable to get to the polls, make a plan to vote by mail or vote early.
There is some homework to do before voting. The ballot is long, with numerous candidate races and there are some really important local issues with referendums for your vote. There are also six state constitutional amendments. It will take some dedication to learning about the issues before you have your ballot in hand. The LWVAC has put together information on all your ballot choices on a single website called VOTE411. After putting in your address, your specific ballot choices will be displayed along with information about each candidate and each issue. It’s a one stop shop.
On Sept. 22 at 12:30pm a candidate forum will be co-hosted by the LWVAC and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. Candidates will answer questions composed by the League. Information will be provided about local referendums and state amendments. Refreshments and an opportunity to speak with candidates will be available after the forum. Go to the league website for details.
While the League is non-partisan, never endorsing a candidate or a party, we are political and, after careful study, take positions on policy issues. This election season we are making recommendations on local and state issues. You can find information about our positions on VOTE411, on our local website, and on the state website. I’m going to list them here:
Local Referendums
Vote YES on the public utilities referendum.
A Yes vote will return local decisions to local leaders, not governor appointees.
Vote YES on county commission at-large elections.
A Yes vote will return every voter’s chance to choose every county seat.
Vote YES on one mill tax for schools
Since 2008 voters have approved this tax to support teachers and programs in Alachua County.
State Amendment Recommendations
Vote NO on Amendment 1
A no vote will prevent legalizing partisan politics in school boards.
Vote YES on Amendment 4
A yes vote will allow women and doctors to make health care decisions, not politicians.
Vote NO on Amendment 6
A no vote would keep public financing in place, allowing non-rich candidates to run.
I have been voting for over 50 years and still get a thrill every time. Having a voice in choosing our leaders and policies is a privilege not to be dismissed. It is not a perfect democracy, but voting is a way to move us to a better democracy. Please make a plan. Please vote.