John Sieminski: Voter turnout a disgrace

Regarding Barry Saunders’ Oct. 12 column “Apathy keeps voters away”: I usually reserve my editorial comments for issues that I feel undermine the security, political stability and social fabric of the United States, such as illegal immigration. After reading this column, I could not resist sending in a reply.

Saunders and I are politically and philosophically polar opposites. Except in this case. He is right on about voter apathy.

When I read the results about the Raleigh mayoral election, I could hardly believe my eyes. Eleven percent turnout? My vision must be failing me or maybe it was a misprint. Unfortunately, not so.

I am veteran of the U.S. military, and I find this apathy to be especially disturbing.

Saunders’ solution calling for the election to be called off and the incumbents to remain in office unless a 50 percent or greater turnout is seen is a great idea.

I hope all my political representatives and associates who read this will “make it so” by legislative means.

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 4:45 PM with the headline "John Sieminski: Voter turnout a disgrace."