Reports show that by election day, nearly 40 percent of California voters – an estimate one million people – may have already turned in their ballots by either voting early or voting by mail. A high percentage of these voters have declared permanent absentee status, automatically receiving a ballot by mail each election. Some people do it for the sake of convenience, some do it so they won’t forget or get too busy to go to the polls come election day. Whatever the case, they’ve done their civic duty and can sit back on November 2 and wait for the results to pour in.
For the rest of us, it’s time for democracy in action. It is our heritage as a free people to get to the polls and cast our vote. Here in Sonoma, we’ve got a hotter than hot city council race with seven candidates running for just three seats. We’ve also got three candidates running for seats on the hospital board. Measures, initiatives and propositions – both local and statewide – require some thoughtful rumination before casting a vote but not voting isn’t an option.
As an added incentive to get out the vote, a growing number of local merchants are offering discounts and inducements to anyone showing up on November 2 with an “I Voted” sticker or absentee ballot chit. Led by Andy and Lilla Weinberger, the incentive is a way to get as many people as possible to the polls. At last count, 30 shops and businesses were getting involved and the list grows daily. The Sun is also getting in on the act with a savings of $5 on six months of home delivery. See the story on page 4 for more details.
Of course, the true incentive for voting is exercising your right as an American. It’s your vote, don’t fail to cast it.
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