Story Published:
Jul 14, 2010 at 4:55 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jul 14, 2010 at 8:39 PM CST
Voters have the responsibility of knowing the ballot when they go to the polls to cast an informed vote. They key word is "informed."
Even if they are asked, it is illegal for any amployee of the Election Commission to tell any voter how to vote As Ms. Steidl, Administrator of Elections, said, "The ballot speaks for itself."
Voters have the responsibility to ask for either a Republican or Democrat ballot in a Primary election. It's the law. Enough said.
A sample ballot was printed in the Herald Citizen on Sunday, July 11, 2010 for the August 5, 2010 election. A sample ballot will also be posted at each polling precinct. Read the ballot and be informed before you vote.
In the May 4 County primary some angry voters berated Election Commission employees because they (voters) wanted to cross over and vote for either a Democrat or Republican candidate when they (voters) had requested a ballot for the opposite party.
Most were those who requested a Republican ballot yet wanted to vote for certain Democrats for County offices because
no Republicans we re listed for most County offices. These voters became irate when informed that, in a Primary election, crossing over is not permitted.
To be an informed voter, one should consult the sample ballot carried in the Cookeville media or access the Putnam County Election Commission's website for a five-page list of each and every candidate running for office in Putnam County or the four municipalities in Putnam County. The Election Commission's website does not carry a sample ballot but correct information on the August 5th State primaries plus the Putnam County General Election.
To get to the Putnam County Election website, click here. For further information call the Putnam County Election Commission at 931-526-2566. The Commission is located at 705 County Services Drive.
Remember, you as a voter have a duty both to the rest of us and more importantly to yourself and the candidates to be an informed voter
