THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTER EDUCATION
By Clyde “Jocco” Baccus, President
The Learning Tree, Inc.
Voter education is not about what party you belong to or what candidate to vote for. Voter Education should be the barometer by which we measure who supports our issues.
That vote you cast has a far reaching meaning. That vote you cast determines who your advocate is for, HEALTH CARE, AFORDABLE HOUSING, EDUCATION, PROPERTY TAXES, JOB DEVELOPMENT, RECREATION FACILITIES, HOW YOUR TAX DOLLARS ARE DISTRIBUTES FOR THE SERVICES YOU PAY FOR. There are a host of other issues that are determines by your vote.
But wait, the sad truth is on Election Day the number of registered voters that cast a ballot is not a reflection of the entire communities concerns, it’s only a small percentage of those that choose to be involved with the electoral process.
If 20% of the registered voters in an area turn out…That’s considered a good turnout…but wait…what about the other 80%... What’s wrong with this picture?
What you have is that 20% of the voters are choosing who makes public policy for the entire community and that public policy decision determines your quality of life for generations to come.
This is why voter education is so important. When an election cycle comes around you’ll already know what the issues are that you’re concerned about.
There are forces around us trying to sway our opinions. The tools used to focus your attention away from the issues are distractions, discouragement, distrust, doubt, indecision, procrastination, apathy, arrogance, isolation, and low self-esteem.
These distracters are neutralized by constantly focusing your attention, your actions, your goals and vision on the future of your community and giving our young people the type of political environment they can grow and flourish in.
Get involved in your local community. Local zoning boards, planning commissions, recreation commissions, board of elections and a host of other appointments of citizens by your elected officials. Volunteer to make a difference.
Don’t just depend on the media as your source of information. You need to keep your eyes on your tax dollars so you’ll know where and how it is being allocated.
Voter Education should be a priority in every household.
Take the young people with you when you go vote, take them with you to the city council, county commission and school board meetings.
Give them the opportunity to see firsthand the power of politics, because in their hands lies the future.
No matter whom you vote for the important thing to remember is: After the election it will be up to us the voting constituency to track the progress of our elected officials.
The time has come to exercise the true meaning of accountability. We can no longer allow the people we elect to cut back room deals that only benefit their own selfish interest. You can tell a lot about a person, when they think you aren’t watching. We see you, [they have money for you if you are for the issue/they have money for you if you are against the issue] and you’ll hear from us.
Make sure everyone in your circle is registered to vote by July 2nd in order to be qualified for the July 31st primary election. Don’t forget about the 17.5 year old young people, now is their time to join the discussion.
“The Future Started Yesterday, and We’re Already Late” (John Legend)
Registered voters sound off. “If You Don’t Vote, You Don’t Count”
2012 Georgia Election Dates: http://www.sos.ga.gov/elections/election_dates.htm
The Learning Tree, Inc. is a Georgia registered 501(c) 4 nonprofit. Contributions are not tax deductible.
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