Don't Let Others Decide for You - Vote!

By Commissioner Jeff Koons

Our first countywide use of paper ballots and optical scanners, the August primary, actually went pretty well in terms of casting ballots. (For now, let’s not get into the recount and somehow losing track of a few thousand ballots.) Voters didn’t seem to have any problems using the new paper ballot system, which replaced the electronic touch-screen machines.

But I am disturbed by the poor voter turnout on August 26. Only about 16 percent of registered voters in Palm Beach County -- one person out of every six -- bothered to exercise their constitutional right, which I find inexcusable.

A number of important county races were decided outright in the primary, including a county commissioner, the clerk and comptroller, sheriff, state attorney, property appraiser, two judges and two school board members. Finalists were also determined for other key races to be decided on November 4. If your candidate didn’t make the cut – and you didn’t vote – then don’t complain about who won.

A much larger turnout is projected for the presidential election on November 4, and I hope the pundits are right. Please make sure that you are part of this important process.

If you aren’t registered to vote or haven’t updated your information recently, take a moment now to do so. Double check your name spelling, address and party affiliation. The last day to register for the general election is Monday, October 6. If you won’t be able to get to the polls on November 4, then consider one of these convenient options:

Early Voting – Approximately 11,000 Palm Beach County residents took advantage of early voting for the August primary. The lines are usually shorter, it’s available seven days a week, and you can go to any early voting site around the county. You do not have to go to your home precinct. Check the Supervisor of Elections’ Web site, pbcelections.org, for polling locations and dates. When you arrive, all you will need is a photo I.D. and signature I.D. (Note: Your voter registration card, by itself, is not sufficient.)

Absentee Voting – This method is becoming more and more popular because you can take your time filling out the ballot. Call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 656-6200 at least two weeks before the election to request an absentee ballot. When it arrives, be sure to follow the instructions on executing your absentee ballot.

The returned ballot envelope must contain the voter’s signature. If the signature is missing, the canvassing board, by law, cannot open and count the ballot. You can return your absentee ballot in person or by mail. Extra postage will be required; check the front of the envelope for the exact amount needed, and be sure to mail it at least one week before November 4.

All absentee ballots must be received -- not just post marked -- by one of the supervisor’s branch offices by 5 p.m. on Election Day or the main office by 7 p.m. Do not try to return your completed absentee ballot to a precinct; it will not be accepted.

I hope you find these tips helpful. Voting is one of our most precious rights, and every vote matters. As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to contact me or my staff at 355-2202.