March 29, 2024

Tuesday’s school vote effects everyone — so be sure to vote

There isn’t a more wrongheaded statement than, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.” The First Amendment firmly states you have a right to “complain,” whether you vote or not. What it doesn’t say is whether or not you’ll look silly in the process.

Voting is among our most fundamental and important rights in this country. Sadly, it is the one we seem to exercise the least. Especially when it comes time to vote in school elections.

Tuesday’s election will impact everyone, regardless of age, in Jasper County. Local school districts’ tax asking constitutes a large portion of your property taxes, which everyone pays — homeowners pay them directly, renters pay them indirectly through their rent.

And, as Joe Pugel correctly pointed out with regard to the DMACC support levies, the students who are impacted by decisions made by school boards, whether local districts or community college districts, touch all our lives. Our communities’ future success depends largely on the outcomes of Tuesday’s election.

So, be sure to vote. Polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. Make your “voice” be heard from the ballot box.

If you don’t vote, you can still complain. But you’ll look silly doing it.