Take time to register
Published 12:36 am Wednesday, October 2, 2002
By Staff
Our View
It hardly seems possible that this year's general election is only a month away. And while there are limited local races to be decided, there are several on the state and national level that will leave a long-lasting mark on our county and city. When it comes to politics, and the business of running the government, there hardly ever seems to be a shortage of opinion. More and more, though, there is a shortage of voters, and it's time we do something about it.
Citizens that do vote, tend to do so regularly, taking a role in shaping the direction of our country every chance they get. The problem is that fewer and fewer of us fall into that category. Even though we are registered voters, perhaps we've become disenchanted with the system, feel like our single vote won't be missed or even tell ourselves we don't have enough time. And still yet there's the group that is not even registered to vote.
Over the past decade or so, a great deal of energy has been spent trying to mobilize young voters. Attempts to organize specific groups that will vote in blocks have been going on since voting began. What's been missing, though, are strong, organized efforts to reach the mass, general audience. This year, we're going to try to change that, at least in this corner of the world.
On page 12 of today's Standard, you'll find a voter registration form. Fill it out and mail it to Jim Bennett, Alabama's Secretary of State. The instructions on the form are clear and simple. The registration form will publish again later this month, but there's no reason to wait to get registered. This year's is the election to get involved with, to make your voice heard and to vote. Brewton is known for many things. This year, let's be known for turning out at the polls in large numbers, bucking the trend we've been following for too long.