With poor voter turnout across the region in the primaries, some apparent patriots in Ragland decided to do something about it in their corner of the world.The town turned out 261 voters in the primary, and they aimed to increase those numbers for the run-off.
Throughout town, merchants offered incentives for customers with “I voted” stickers on their clothes. They gave a percentage off groceries. They gave away hot dogs. They even had a cash drawing – all in the name of civic responsibility.
And it worked. By day’s end for the run-off, 505 registered voters in little ole’ Ragland cast their ballots, and “I voted” stickers were as prominent as flags on the Fourth of July. The vote total topped its bigger neighbors of Odenville and Springville – combined – showing that a concerted effort really can get out the vote.
It wasn’t important for whom they cast their votes, only that they voted.
When he learned of the outcome, St. Clair County Probate Judge Wallace Wyatt Jr. rightly reasoned that Ragland may be on to something here.
Judging by the dismal turnouts witnessed in Talladega and St. Clair counties over the past two opportunities to vote, we couldn’t agree more.
