Important Election

Important Election - The Missourian: Editorials

Important Election

Posted: Saturday, August 4, 2012 5:00 pm

If past experience is used as a basis for a prediction, only between 20 and 25 percent of the registered voters in Franklin County will cast ballots in the primary election Tuesday. That’s pathetic!

All elections are important but this one is especially significant because we will be electing individuals to offices since they have no opposition from a candidate from another party. We will be electing a circuit judge, sheriff, a first district county commissioner and treasurer Tuesday. These races all are on the Republican ticket. No Democrats filed for these offices. The first commission district generally takes in the northern part of the county.

The Missourian endorsed Sheriff Gary Toelke earlier. He is considered one of the best sheriffs in the state. We agree. He has done an outstanding job.

In this issue, this newspaper has endorsed the re-election of Judge Gael Wood, based on his outstanding record.

We also will be voting on Amendment 2, generally referred to as a religious freedom issue. It is controversial because of some of its provisions, but is expected to be approved. The ballot wording is — Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure: That the right of Missouri citizens to express their religious beliefs shall not be infringed; that school children have the right to pray and acknowledge God voluntarily in their schools; and that all public schools shall display the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.

Opponents say it isn’t needed and the school provision could result in students refusing courses that they allege would infringe on their constitutional rights. Proponents say it would strengthen religious freedom.

In this primary, it is clear the Republican races have generated the greater focus since candidates will be elected to offices because of a lack of competition by Democrats.