|
 |
To view the following stories
in depth, please pick-up your own copy of
"The Braxton Citizens' News" on sale
now, or subscribe here!
Community
Corner
 Gassaway News
Pat's Chat
Other stories:
Magistrate Report
News From Our Capital: By Delegate
Brent Boggs
Community Calendar: A Listing
Of Local Events & Happenings
Full Service Catering
Event Planning
Reunions,
Birthday Parties, Wedding Receptions
Conference Rooms
Visions Restaurant
200 Luxurious Rooms
Wireless Internet
Indoor/Outdoor Pools
Hotel
Reservations:
(304)765-5055
Convention Center:
(304)765-2032
Flatwoods Exit 67 off I-79
www.flatwoods.com
Mountain Lakes Amphitheater
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
In
this weeks edition:
Election is over… finally!
I have enjoyed my short stints in front of the television most of this week… NO political ads! Yes, the election is over and I wish all the winners well.
Those who read this column regularly know that not all the candidates that I favored won… but many did. Regardless, I hope they all do a good job and don’t forget that they work for the people and not their political party.
There was only one surprise for me when all the ballots were counted and that simply was the number of citizens that voted. I’m guessing the voter turnout was record setting in Braxton County. I know it is in recent years. I can remember any year in the 40+ that I have been at this desk that nowhere near 51% of those registered actually voted. I requested numbers from the County Clerk to verify my thinking, but unfortunately, they didn’t have time to gather the information due to preparing for the canvas which will take place today, Tuesday.
I have often complained in this space that I don’t mind being in the minority as long as we truly have a majority making the final decision. When you have less than 20 of those eligible making the decisions which has been the case in many elections, I am concerned.
I honestly don’t know the reason why we had such a great turnout. Normally we see the bigger numbers when we are electing a governor and president. I imagine there was no single factor for this election. I think there were several contributors as to why 4,254 of the 8,235 Braxton County registered voters actually went to the poll. As has been the case in the past, approximately one third of those voting took advantage of the early voting period: 1,399. Another 2,794 cast their ballot on election day.
Like me, most preferred paper ballot to voting on the machines. A total of 3,144 voted a paper ballot; compaired to the 1150 that utilized the machine.
I honestly hope the trend continues. Voting that is, not the nasty campaign ads. I hope to do a little more research into the numbers at some point. I think the results could be interesting. But, for now, I will be happy to take a break from the election process. I imagine all the candidates, winners or losers feel the same way.
|
 |
|
|
