CHARLOTTE, NC– As voters trickle into polling precincts, the recent spike in crime and debate over education are inspiration for some to vote.
Holly Wood, a resident in Dilworth says, “I have two young kids in the CMS school system, so I always think it’s important to vote to support the schools.”
Levonel Ratliff of West Charlotte says, “We need to stop the crime. All this good stuff going on, maybe make it better for the city.”
But, despite those concerns, many are still not voting. During the last primary in 2013, only 6.7 percent of 503,000 registered voters cast ballots.
Voting officials say with a low turnout, those who are voting are the ones making the decisions.
Board of Elections Director Michael Dickerson says “If you had a 10 percent turnout, you’re basically saying that 1 for every 10 people are voting for the other 9. 10 out of that 100 is making the decision for this primary.”
The election costs roughly between $400,000 and $450,000, which is why everyone we spoke to says every vote counts.
“I just feel that if you don’t vote, then you have no right to complain, says Wood.
