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Published Saturday, June 05, 2010 in Opinion

Election season is here

Editorial

Summer is traditionally a time for slowing down, relaxing and hitting the road for some well-deserved family vacation. But this summer many people will also be getting down to some serious political business.

The school bells have just quit ringing, but on July 20, a real-life civics lesson will play out as Georgians head to the polls for primary elections in which parties will choose candidates for elected positions from governor on down. The winners of the July races will face each other in the Nov. 2 general election.

For almost a year, town hall meetings, tea party rallies and confrontational demonstrations by voters on both ends of the political spectrum have dominated national and local headlines.

The political differences are dramatic and voters seem more divided than ever on issues ranging from soaring debt levels to immigration reform.

Until now, voters have been limited to carrying signs and making speeches as a way to express their feelings toward current officeholders. That's about to change. Record turnout is expected in July, when voters are finally able to voice an opinion at the ballot box.

There is no shortage of voting options. In the gubernatorial race alone, over a dozen candidates from all parties are vying to replace outgoing Governor Sonny Perdue.

Having so many candidates to choose from might require a little extra effort and study from voters determined to make the most informed choice. But polls suggest that with the stakes so high, voters are up to the challenge.

Summer is here, but so are the 2010 elections. If current polling data hold true, record numbers of voters will be more than willing to spend a day of vacation waiting in line to let our elected officials know just how they feel about how the people's business is being handled.

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