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Increased Voter Number A Good Sign This Year

By Jim Konkoly | Highlands Today

Published: July 16, 2008

It shouldn't surprise anyone that voter registration in Highlands County is at an all-time high. There is a lot of unrest throughout the country, including our own county. We should take voter interest as a good sign.

As of Monday, 64,439 voters were registered in Highlands County. That's more than a 4,000 voter increase over 2004. Increasing voter numbers in that short of a period is no small feat. So what's driving the number increase?

Democrats in Highlands County are feeling good these days because their numbers are growing and closing the gap on Republicans. At last count, there are 25,438 Democrats compared to 28,321 Republicans. Independents and other minor party members account for 10,680 residents.

There's little doubt that Democrats are witnessing a surge for several reasons. A lot of folks are enthralled with Sen. Barack Obama's rock star allure. Young people who have never voted before, as well as a lot of minority voters, are signing up for this coming presidential election.

Republicans still are strong, though. They have motivated party members who know how to get the vote out. The big issue is whether Sen. John McCain can rally the masses to get out and vote for him.

In many parts of the country, in an attempt to bring evangelical voters to the polls, ballot measures concerning gay marriage, abortion and other hot-button issues are on the ballot. That gets people's blood up, and gets them to the polls, even if a particular candidate is less than inspiring.

We hope the interest in voting is about wanting to take our country in a different direction and getting voters of all parties engaged. We've been so divided, we can't tackle important issues that are sinking our country. It's as if our leaders are afraid to take on difficult issues and just spout a lot of rhetoric but do nothing.

Regardless of party affiliation, it's good to see people taking an interest in politics this year. Of course, voting is only one part. Staying engaged with the issues, listening to differing viewpoints and not buying into any one ideology is the key to success. Can we do that? We certainly hope so. The alternative is dismal to contemplate.

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