On May 20th we go to the polls and vote in either the Republican or Democratic Primaries and in Athens the General Election for Mayor and half of our 10 member Commission.

We usually think of General Elections for local government as being in November, but not so in Athens since we have non-partisan elections for Mayor and Commission. This is your only chance to vote in the Mayor's race and that of the Commissioners up for re-election. It is early this year due to a Federal Court ruling. 

I am not telling you who to vote for, but I am telling you to vote, to let your employees have the time to vote during the work day, and to help get out the vote by forwarding this email to your contacts. I don’t care if you vote in the Republican or Democratic primary … you can still vote in the non-partisan races for Mayor of Athens and Commission seats.

All elections are critical and this one is no exception. Low turnouts have consequences. Don’t leave this decision up to a small minority of voters. Get out there and do your duty and go vote. Early voting is under way, so you can go down to the Board of Elections right now and get it out of the way. 

I have included a link to the Board of Elections web site where you can find sample ballots, voting locations and information on early voting: http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/160/Board-of-Elections

 Local government effects our lives, our families, and our businesses quicker and greater than any other level of government. Come on folks we all have a lot at stake. Do your part and help get out the vote.

Doc Eldridge

President/CEO

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce