Count Down to Election Day

Well folks, this time next week it's (drum roll paaaaleeese) election day. And, if you're like me, you're a little leery of the potentially loooooooooong lines. (On a side note, I LOVE that there are all of the long lines, so many people voting and talking about the election and the issues).

However, wild horses and a free all-you-can-eat seafood buffet couldn't keep me away from voting. So, I'm weighing my voting options.

I could either: A. Join the thousands of voters next Tuesday at my voting site, my two young children in tow in an effort to teach them about them about civic responsibility OR B. Join the thousands of other voters at an early voting site, my two young children in tow, too young to understand why we are waiting in a two-hour line to learn about this "civic responsibility" Mommy keeps talking about OR C. Obtain an absentee ballot, and fill out my ballot in the comfort of my own home, with my laptop by my side in the event I need to conduct any last minute research on the 39 items Gwinnett County residents will see on the ballot this year. And, I can still teach my children about civic responsibility by discussing some of the issues, bringing it to their level.

So, this seems like a no-brainer. I'm choosing option C.

No matter how residents choose to vote, the obvious message here is to make sure you vote and that you are educated on your choices.

I found this website, called The Voter Guide which will direct you through each item on the ballot, and will tailor the choices based on where you live. One particularly important issue to those of us in Gwinnett County is the SPLOST vote. Voters will have the opportunity to vote on renewing the one-cent sales tax that has funded many capital improvements throughout the county. The current program ends in March 2009. Shoppers in Gwinnett County, regardless of residence or property ownership, pay the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

The amendment states:

"Shall a special one percent sales and use tax be imposed in the Special District of Gwinnett County for a period of time not to exceed five years and for the raising of an estimated amount of $850,000,000 for the purposes of roads, streets, and bridges, public safety facilities and equipment, recreational facilities, libraries, County court facilities, City water and sewer capital improvements, City administrative facilities, and City parking facilities?"

There is not enough room on this blog to explain why the SPLOST fund is critical to the sustainability of our community. The fund provides much needed dollars to improve and expand green spaces, maintain the safety of our roads, and maintain the quality of our public utilities. If the SPLOST vote passes again, everyone wins. It's a quality of life vote for our community.

A complete renovation of Thrasher Park (the location of the new Whistle Stop Farmer's Market) in downtown Norcross in scheduled for winter of 2009. However, if the SPLOST amendment does not pass, the park will not receive the much-needed improvements. The farmer's market will move forward regardless, however, how amazing would it be to premiere a new farmer's market AND a new park!?!

Information on Early Voting:

To obtain an absentee ballot (or to register to vote), click here.

Absentee ballots are available approximately 45 days prior to regular elections. Voters who want to vote early using a paper ballot may request an absentee ballot by mail or fax. Marked ballots must be returned to the Elections Office by mail or by the voter in person in time to be counted on Election Day, November 4. All votes will be tallied after the polls close at 7:00pm.

Early voting in person is available the week of October 27 – 31, 2008, at the following locations:

Gwinnett County Elections Office
455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
Hours: 9:00am to 4:30pm

Centerville Community Center
3025 Bethany Church Road
Snellville, GA 30039
Hours: 9:00am until 7:00pm

Dacula Activity Building
2735 Old Auburn Road
Dacula, GA 30019
Hours: 9:00am until 7:00pm

George Pierce Community Center
55 Buford Highway
Suwanee, GA 30024
Hours: 9:00am until 7:00pm

Singleton Road Activity Building
5220 Singleton Road
Norcross, GA 30093
Hours: 9:00am until 7:00pm


Go out and vote!!!

~Robin~

Sustainable Peachtree Corners: Positively promoting green, sustainable living for those who live, work and play in the Peachtree Corners community.

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