Make Your Vote Count!

October 2nd is it! If you haven’t registered to vote in the November 2, 2004 general election, you must complete the registration process 29 days prior to that date. November election dates have historical significance.

Why are federal elections held in November? In America’s early history, we were predominantly an agrarian society. Farmers and rural workers planted in the spring, tended their crops in the summer and harvested in the fall. The most convenient time for them to get to the polls was after the fall harvest. And, in most of the country, the weather was still good enough to allow travel over unpaved roads.

Why are these elections scheduled on a Tuesday? Since most rural residents had to travel to the county seat to vote, many would need to begin their journey on Sunday. This would conflict with church services and Sunday evening worship so lawmakers considered Monday a poor choice for elections.

Why pick the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November? Lawmakers did not want elections to fall on the first of the month for two reasons. First, All Saints Day is November 1st, and, second, most merchants tallied accounts and did their books on the first of the month.

Your vote DOES count. If you think it might not, consider the following examples.

Vermont State Representative Sydney Nixon was the apparent winner, 570-569, over Robert Edmond in a 1977 election. After a recount, however, Nixon lost, 572-571.

In 1989 the Lansing, Michigan School District had to reduce its budget by $2.5 million when, after a recount, the millage proposition resulted in a tie vote. The original count indicated a 10 vote win for the district.

Finally, in 1994 Republican Randall Luthi and Independent Larry Call tied for a seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives with 1,941 votes each. A recount produced the same tally. Wyoming’s governor put pingpong balls in his cowboy hat, and Mr. Luthi won when the ball selected bore his name.

Pinal County’s election slogan is “Elect Don’t Neglect–Vote”. You can download a registration form on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website, or you may call 1-877-THE-VOTE (1-877-843-8683) for registration help. Locally, registration forms are available at the Stage Stop Country Store on John Wayne Parkway. Make your vote count.

District 3 County Supervisor candidate, David Snider, shares a precinct map with Brandon Waite.
Mr. Snider, a Democrat, is running against Republican Bill Bridwell in the November election.