May 5, 2008

Our moment in the historic primary spotlight now upon us

After a week of being flooded by TV commercials, an occasional phone call and e-mail after e-mail, we’re just hours away from a historic primary election that has the nation watching Indiana.

It’s been fun for all of us news and political junkies to see Indiana so involved in this year’s primary because it may be another 40 years before it happens again (unless, of course, we move toward a rotating, regional primary — a move we would support).

Sadly, though, by Wednesday, the Obama and Clinton folks will be gone and it’s unlikely they will return to Indiana with such a strong presence by the November election. But, things should pick up in terms of the race for governor, which is likely to be just as interesting for Indiana residents as the presidential primary has been.

But, we’re going to enjoy these remaining hours in the presidential primary spotlight and top it off with a trip to the polls bright and early Tuesday morning, an action we hope most Wells residents will do as well.

In 2004, 3,602 Wells residents went to the polls in the primary election, a mere 18.1 percent of the then 19,925 registration total, but there was some speculation back then that the registration number included many who had died or moved away. Some predicted Wells’ turnout rate that year was closer to 25 percent.

Regardless, we hope and are optimistic that this year’s turnout will be much higher. In fact, we have fielded a few questions from family members and readers over the past week about how Indiana’s system works. One of the government teachers where this writer works clarified a few useful reminders last week about the process — the same tips this writer learned in government class at Bluffton High School.

Indiana has a closed primary, but you are not mandated to register as a Republican or Democrat. Instead, on Tuesday a poll worker will ask you if you would like to vote Republican or Democrat.

You will vote on a machine that has just the candidates for the party you declare. If you choose Democrat, for example, you will be able to vote for either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton; or Jill Long Thompson or Jim Schellinger for the governor’s primary race. You won’t be able to vote, however, in the primary contest for Wells County treasurer, as candidates Shar Mechling and Patricia D. (Patty) Randall are both Republicans.

Also keep in mind that your selection of party for the primary will be public record, meaning anyone has the right to go to the Courthouse and see if you picked a Republican or Democratic ballot. Clearly, there are more rules in the primary, all explained online.

For those living in the southern part of the county, the Southern Wells School Board election is a non-partisan race. Registered voters in Nottingham, Jackson, Chester and Liberty townships will all be eligible to cast ballots for the two positions on the board.

And we can’t end this column without reminding everyone here just how important each vote is; think back to November to the contest between Bette Erxleben and Bob Bate that ended in a tie. Even this presidential primary has seen a close contest, as Obama defeated Clinton by a mere seven votes in the Guam Democratic presidential caucuses Saturday, 2,264 to 2,257.

As the Indianapolis Star reported Sunday, we are one of seven states left to have a voice in the primary, the second largest of those seven and perhaps the most competitive. It’s time for a change, no doubt, so make sure your voice is heard by voting between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday. And, don’t forget your photo ID.

--JUSTIN PEEPER

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