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We would like to remind you of some statistics that are highlighted elsewhere in today’s edition, in a story by reporter Bill O’Boyle.
According to records kept at the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections, here are the numbers for voter turnout since the 2016 election:
• 2019 primary — 19.3% voter turnout; of the 207,915 registered voters, 40,185 ballots were cast.
• 2018 general election — 52.55% turnout; 109,024 voted.
• 2018 primary — 16.7% turnout; 34,269 voted.
• 2017 general election — 24.3% turnout; 49,654 voted.
• 2017 primary: 19.8% turnout; 40,734 voted.
• 2016 general election — 67% turnout; 137,549 voted.
• 2016 primary — 41% turnout; 79,912 voted.
With mostly municipal and country contests on the ballots, political science professors interviewed by O’Boyle predicted that we could see turnout today of less than 30%.
That is tragic for so many reasons, but here are the two biggest: First, that it is an insult to the sacrifices of those who paid with their blood to protect that right; and second, that the outcome of local political races often has more direct impact on most Americans’ everyday lives than who holds the marquee offices higher up the ballot.
“Issues like roads, infrastructure, social services and land use are greatly influenced by the results of local elections, but sadly voter turnout in these races is generally very low,” Christopher P. Borick, professor of political science/director, Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, told O’Boyle.
We know all too well that the folks who take time to read newspaper editorials tend to be the sort who do care about these issues and do vote, so we know we likely are preaching to the choir here.
Still, we hope those of you who have taken the time to read this and who plan to vote will encourage friends and family to do the same today.
The polls will be open from from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are comfortable using the internet and have questions about where and how to vote, you can visit the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections at luzernecounty.org. You also can call 570-825-1715.
Through the bureau’s website, you can find your polling place, information about how to use the voting machines, whether you need to show an approved form of ID in order to vote and more. Similar information also is available at the state’s votesPA.com site.
Please, show your pride in our communities and our country by exercising your right to vote today.
— Times Leader