Everyone's Opinion Newsletter

Jeff,

Thank you for your letter. Voter apathy is an issue that many active participants in the political process are concerned about. Commentators in the media use concerned tones when an election occurs like this past one, where in Blair County the turnout was disappointingly low.

This leads me to three questions. Why does low turnout occur? Does this indicate apathy on the part of the public? If so, what can we do to change it?

In my opinion, low voter turnout can happen for several reasons. They might include (a) lack of enthusiasm for candidates, (b) a feeling that the candidates won't be able to make positive change, (c) belief that their vote won't make a difference, (d) lack of resources to make an informed decision, or (e) genuine apathy about the political process. Of course, there can also be incidental factors like weather that impact turnout.

In many cases, I believe these reasons do point to general apathy -- which ultimately reflects a major concern about our society. Citizens of democratic nations vote not only to impact the result of the election but to exercise the freedom that they have been given.

Voting can be seen as a duty -- a way of honoring those who have sacrificed for our freedom and a way of letting leaders know we will hold them accountable to act wisely and prudently in office. A public that does not care or cannot find the time to become informed is a public that will more easily be mistreated, abused or taken advantage of.

So the final question -- what can we do to change voter apathy? I think simply getting men and women to the polls in May and November is not really solving the root issue.

 What we really want is an active citizenry -- informed, interested and engaged in what is happening in their local community. Here is what I think is needed:

- Genuine, character-based leadership at all levels of government. As men and women who are already leaders in their homes, businesses and churches step forward with genuine passion for the community, others will rally around them and become more excited about the political process.

- Increased use of the Internet as a vehicle of information. I am genuinely pleased with how the Internet has made political candidates' views and opinions readily available to the public. Even local candidates are starting to use websites. In 2008, I want to see the City significantly improve its communication through that venue.

- More venues and education on real community issues. Every day, teachers, businesspeople, politicians, social workers, clergymen and women, and other citizens grapple with challenges facing Altoona and Blair County. I think finding ways to initiate real community dialogue -- starting in high schools and going into town halls, neighborhood associations, Internet discussion groups and local TV and radio -- could be a positive direction. Elections can be polarizing but if we work together toward solutions on the "off-season" we'll be better equipped when voting time rolls around.

As far as forming a bipartisan commission, my reaction is that it is not the duty of the City or any other governmental entity to try to get citizens to vote. Rather, voters should be taking it upon themselves to use that opportunity to keep their government in check!

Private organizations such as political parties have traditionally informed and motivated voters. As far as a public billboard, that may be a good idea; however, those who don't know it is Election Day are apparently not taking it upon themselves to keep informed, as discussion of Election Day is all through the local and state media -- it may go back to the issue above of a broader lack of involvement in local issues.

Ultimately, we need to acknowledge that citizens have the right to not vote, and we will respect that as well. But I would like to encourage Blair Countians to actively engage in informing themselves and getting involved in local issues. Remember, it's not all about how 'likely' we are to succeed. Doing things because they're the right thing to do -- not just because we think we can succeed -- is genuine leadership. That's the kind of activity in our community that could be a great start in the right direction.

Matt Garber

Altoona City Council