From the Editor's Desk
To vote or not to vote: just do it!
B.J. Davis

Gulf Breeze writer Franklin and I always collaborate on the "On the Spot" question before he is sent out on his quest to provoke a thoughtful response from unsuspecting victims. This week, we came up with the question of voting in the Sept. primary. As a seasoned and thorough journalist, he wanted to research the proposed issues on the primary and general election ballots, in case people asked him that question. It's only fair. We came up with an important problem that area residents might face. What if voters don't make an effort to vote, or to even register for that matter, if they don't feel the issues affect them directly or they don't understand the issues?

Before I answer that question, I'd like to forewarn you that if you think this is a soapbox lecture on the importance of voting, you are absolutely correct.

First of all, if you are of the legal voting age, which is 18, and you are not registered to vote in your district, put down this paper and go right now to the county website http://www.co.santarosa. fl.us/elections/ and register. Once you've done that, I urge you to listen to the importance of voting. Past voter turnout in the county

ranges anywhere from 23-65% of registered voters depending on primary or general elections and the issues on the ballot. Case in point. If you're like me, you don't need any more debris in your wallet, so why have a voter's registration card clutter it up? Here's an idea: put it to use!

I supposed voting is like exercise. If you really don't want to do it, you'll find an excuse to get out of it. What really irks me is that if you're fat, don't complain. Just like when someone gets to office or an

impact fee is passed and you didn't vote, you have no right, whatsoever, to voice your opinion. Not familiar with the issue? Ask someone. Even the poll workers are educated and that's why they're there. I've also never heard of our elected officials not being accessible. I'm the nosey press and they still return my phone calls.

I won't beat a dead horse because we have a long way to go to Sept., and I'm sure you'll hear me pipe up about this again.