It’s important to vote in the primary
To the editor:
The cities of Fort Myers and Cape Coral will be holding primary elections for mayor and city council September 15th. Did you know that in 2007, the city council of Fort Myers was decided by less than 15 percent of registered voters? In Cape Coral, the decision was made by 22 percent of registered voters. In other words, the vast majority of voters left it up to a small minority to decide the future of local government for them.
While there are many reasons people don’t vote, in local races voters often complain that they don’t have enough information about the candidates to make an informed decision. The Lee County League of Women Voters has asked each candidate five questions and posted the answers in the Voter’s Guide on our web site: www.lwvlee.org. Candidates were asked for their views on the city budget, stimulating job growth, and what they believe to be the primary challenges facing their city. The Voter’s Guide also includes information on each candidate’s background.
The League of Women Voters is non-partisan and never endorses candidates. The information you will find in the Voter’s Guide was written directly by the candidates themselves-we do not alter the responses in any way.
We encourage you to take the time to become informed and vote in the city primaries on Sept. 15 and in the general election on Nov. 3. The old saying, “All politics are local,” is very true. Most of what affects you as a citizen is decided by your elected city officials-everything from property taxes, to local services, to laws and ordinances.
We encourage you to visit the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Web site prior to Election Day to double check the location of your precinct. And remember that you can always vote by absentee ballot, even if you will be in the area. The last day to request an absentee ballot was Sept. 9, for the primary and Oct. 28, for the general election. Early voting is also available for both elections. Visit www.leeelections.com for more information. Make your voice heard this fall and vote!
Katrina Brewsaugh, MSW Voter Service chair
Clara Anne Graham, president