What is an “Off Year”, anyway?

As I mix around with various local, state and national politicos, I keep hearing these words, “off year election”.

For some reason, this terminology “off year” strikes an unpleasant chord with me. Something like nails on a chalkboard, if you will.

By definition, “off year” means:

1. A year in which no major political elections occur

2. A year of reduced activity or production: for example, an off year for soybean crops

In political circles, it is also associated with lower voter turnout and a lack of concern for local elections. It is assumed that because it is not a presidential election year, people are not going to take off year elections seriously. I certainly hope that this is not the case this year; however, in the past it has been the norm—almost the standard.

I believe that this is, indeed, a major political election for the citizens of Scotland County. Municipal elections directly affect how towns and cities will be governed and by whom. Not paying attention and refusing to turn out the vote in the supposed “off year” elections relinquishes voting power to the few who do show up to cast their vote.

Marian Wright Edelman, one of my heroes, has spent her life fighting for the rights of children by being an activist, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund. Not only do I admire her numerous personal, academic and civic accomplishments, her spirit and zest for life is unmatched. It also doesn’t hurt that she was born and raised next door to us in Bennettsville, S.C. She has this to say of voting, “People who don’t vote have no line of credit with people who are elected and thus pose no threat to those who act against our interests”. The more I learn about the political process, the more I know this to be true.

Scotland County has participated in Early Voting for several years now. I believe that there are many benefits to voting early. For one, you can get it out of the way. By now, an intelligent voter already knows who they are voting for, so going in to the polls a few days early will not change their mind. It concerns me that there are still some people who make up their minds right there in the voting booth, but that’s another article for another day.

Now, I just have to real for a second. I have lived in much larger cities, and have found myself just as busy in Laurinburg as anywhere else. Anyone who says that they can’t find anything to do here must be either mute, hiding, or a person who habitually says, “No”. It has been my experience that as soon as you step out of your door, somebody, somewhere, is going to ask you to do something. So, I know that finding time to vote can be a hassle. Many Scotland County citizens are managing their own families, businesses, community obligations, and/or helping a friend or relative in need. We are all struggling to find space and time to relax and have a laugh with our friends and families. Believe me, I know. People are also scrambling to gain employment wherever, and whenever, they can. There are many who work overlapping shifts, 12-hour shifts, and even commute to other counties to make ends meet. With these types of schedules, making it to their polling site, on one day, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. can become a gamble and a hassle. Don’t most people get off of work at 5 p.m. Thank goodness for Early Voting. When you have a busy schedule, a few extra days can really help.

You can vote today or Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Scotland County Board of Elections Office located on 231 East Cronly Street, right across from the Courthouse. You can even vote on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the same place. If you need better directions or more information, just call the office at 277-2595.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3 and the polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you have a group meeting, an appointment after work, errands to run, or you just want to get to bed early on Tuesday night, you have today, tomorrow, or Saturday morning to vote. Get it done now, so you won’t find yourself caught up in the whirlwind of life and simply forget. It happens.

There are three city council seats on the ballot for Laurinburg, Wagram, East Laurinburg and Gibson. Wagram, East Laurinburg, and Gibson also choose a mayor this time around.

They say that this is an “off year election”; I don’t think so. I hope to see you at the polls, early.

Davian LaJoyce “Joy” Ellison

Scotland County Democratic Party Chairperson