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Your vote is important in Tuesday's primary |
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North Carolinians will go to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in party primaries. Surprisingly, the time leading up to the first election of the millennium has produced some of the quietest pre-election days in memory.
Unfortunately, the lack of interest is likely to lead to a record low turnout. That's too bad because the winners in the primary and ultimately in November's general election will mold our state in the important first years of the new century. Various reasons have been given for the public apathy. The most popular theory is that generally good economic times nationally and statewide have caused voters to tune out. Some theorize that attention is lagging since Al Gore and George Bush are virtually certain to be the presidential nominees of the two major parties and state voters will have no say in the process. Others point to the lack of a "star" candidate on the part of Democrats and Republicans. After all, this will be just the second statewide election since 1976 without Jim Hunt on the ballot. Whatever the reasons, we hope voters will wake up and pay attention to the races as we head down the home stretch. We believe there are plenty of reasons to head to the polls Tuesday and here are some of them. Since North Carolina began allowing governors to serve two consecutive terms, we've never kicked out an incumbent. Therefore it's likely that the man elected this year will reside in the governor's mansion until January 2009. Many major decisions will be made between now and then. Female voters should be mobilized to cast their ballots. Women are favored to win lieutenant governor races for the Democrats and Republicans. Odds are a woman will be a heartbeat away from the state's highest office next January. We are seeing unprecedented turnover among the Council of State. At least five council positions will have new members next year as incumbents are not seeking re-election. This is a golden opportunity to get new blood into these departments. Traditionally, once a Council of State member is elected, he serves until he retires or seeks another office. Locally, Phil Haire is trying for a second term in the legislature. Two years ago he became the first Jackson County resident elected to the State House since 1964. In short, there are plenty of reasons to go to the polls Tuesday. It's not just your right, it's your duty. Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
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