A new calendar year means a new election year! I hope your New Year's resolutions include registering to vote, updating your voter registration information, requesting a vote-by-mail ballot, and finally, voting.

 

Midterm elections never have as high a turnout as a presidential year, but voter turnout in 2022 was especially low in Broward County. We had more registered voters who didn't vote than those who did! Only 602,178 out of 1,252,776 active voters (48%) bothered to vote in November 2022, when we elected the governor and cabinet.

 

What was even worse is that only 21% of active voters cast their ballots in the August 2022 elections, when we elected many of our local government officials (the school board and judges, as well as the party's candidates for governor and Congress).

 

Do voters not care who their elected officials are? Or are they simply unaware of these elections? Whatever the reason, if they care about democracy, citizens should vote so their voices are heard. Don't just complain about one issue; vote according to your values.

 

As has been the case for decades, the citizens who typically vote are white, older, and have higher purchasing power. Because these citizens vote, they are the ones elected officials listen to when making decisions.

 

The League urges registered voters to request a mail-in ballot, as you never know what might happen before or during early voting or on Election Day. You do NOT have to use a mail-in ballot. You can ALWAYS vote in person. But by requesting a mail-in ballot, you have the peace of mind of knowing you have an alternative voting method.

 

For now, check your voter registration information and make sure it's up to date at https://browardvotes.gov , then click on “Voter Information” on the far right of the page.

 

Happy new election year!

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Monica Elliott

League of Women Voters of Broward County