Election day always put us in mind of that old joke about the weather. In the days leading up to an election, a lot of people talk about change, call for change — even demand change — but it often seems that too few of them bother to take one step that’s necessary to bring about change.
We’re hoping that you’ll take that step Saturday by voting in your local city and school elections. If you didn’t take advantage of early voting to cast your ballot, plan to visit the polls on Saturday.
Voting is a privilege, a responsibility and a freedom that many people in the world are denied, and yet, many Americans can’t be bothered. That’s a shame because there’s really no excuse not to vote.
You say you’re too busy? Can’t find the time to cast a ballot? Well, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, so that’s a pretty wide window of opportunity. Seems like everyone could find a few extra minutes during a 12-hour span to cast a ballot.
Line too long? Sure, the line at some polling place can sometimes seem long at peak voting times, but if you’re thinking about using this excuse, refer to our answer above about that 12-hour window of opportunity. Plus, it’s been our experience that election workers do their best to keep the line moving so you won’t be inconvenienced.
Got too many important chores to do? Well, all the little jobs in life can certainly add up, but we’re confident that you can find time to tear yourself away at some point on Saturday. What’s more important than casting your ballot?
Judging from the numbers recorded during early voting, a lot of Denton County voters agree with us. Denton County elections officials are expecting a busy Saturday based on a relatively strong early voting turnout.
For example, Denton’s early voting count, about 2,350 in-person and mail-in ballots this year, has already surpassed the total of all ballots cast in all four City Council races last year, officials said.
One reason is the three-way race for mayor. Denton Mayor Mark Burroughs faces challenges from former council member Neil Durrance and political newcomer Donna Woodfork.
Krugerville, where council member Dave Hill has challenged Mayor Erich Ranseleben for the seat, has seen early voting counts that almost surpassed the city’s total turnout in 2011.
In Argyle, there’s no mayoral race, but all three council seats are hotly contested, resulting in healthy early voting numbers.
Several other Denton County cities, school districts and special taxing districts will be choosing elected representatives on Saturday, and Bartonville voters will also decide whether to allow liquor sales and Corinth voters are being asked whether to renew a street tax. A lot of important decisions will be made.
Don’t leave it up to someone else to make those decisions. Vote.
If you don’t know your precinct number, you can use the voter registration database search at http://elections.dentoncounty.com to find out. You can also find polling places and other important information on that website.
