Dear Editor:
Just some random thoughts on the recent election from an election official, former public official, party committeeperson, for public official and voter.
Wouldn't it be great if we have the same kind of high voter turnout for local elections as we did in the Presidential election. Because in reality your vote has a bigger impact in a local race, then a national one.
All candidates and their supporters should remove their signs from along our public roadways. As someone who has posted his share of political signs, I always try to make sure the ones I put up, come down. And if you look closely there are still signs up from three or four elections ago.
To the candidates and campaigns that sent poll watchers to the polls. I have a suggestion, make sure your poll watchers are trained and know what they can and cannot do. They are not super election officials. They are there to observe only and if there is problem to bring it the election judge's attention only.
To all voters who had trouble voting. First of all, make sure you are registered to vote and know where you are supposed to vote. It doesn't take much effort to check with the voter registration office ahead of time on one of your most fundamental rights. And to those who registered for the first time and had trouble voting, know the group or person who registered you. Many groups on both sides this year used people who were paid to get you to register. Their concern was their paycheck not whether it was done right.
Better yet, next time you register, secure a voter registration form yourself. They're available at many public places and mail it yourself.
Finally, research the candidates and their positions. Don't vote blindly. Know what you are doing. And to the millions that did vote, congratulations, you did your duty, no matter who you voted for.
Phil Davis
Mount Pleasant
