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As close as we are now to the June 21st Primary Election’s Runoffs, we need to work to get our registered voters out. According to the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, using information submitted by Dallas County’s Probate Judge, Jimmy Nunn, only 33.71% [10,065] of the 29,859 registered voters in Dallas County voted in the Primary Election. That means 19,794 registered voters did not cast their ballots on some very important races for positions that can affect Dallas Countians locally, and statewide.

We freely admit a portion of those who did not vote could not for various reasons, including those who moved outside the county and did not change their voting location, or those who died and still have their names listed, but there are still thousands who could have voted, but chose not to. We would think, especially in Selma where the right for all to vote was forged, voter turnout would be high, but disappointingly that is not the case.

For those who do go to the polls Tuesday, here are some things to remember. First thing to know is that if you voted on May 24 you must vote in the runoff only on the party ballot you chose on May 24. There is no ‘cross over’ choice in the runoff. You cannot vote for candidates on both – at least not yet. That will come in the General Election on Nov. 8.

Secondly, there are important races to be decided in next week’s Runoff Election, including Senate Dist. 23, where former longtime Senator Hank Sanders seeks to regain his seat and is being challenged in the runoff by Robert L. Stewart. Take a look at the Sample Ballots in this issue of The Selma Times-Journal. And we hope you will resolve to vote on June 21 – it is the right of registered voters and a wonderful privilege many in this world do not have.