MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Communities across Alabama saw some competitive races for mayor and other offices this year. With fewer people at the polls, state leaders say outreach should remain a focus in future elections.
“It was disappointing, honestly,” said Kathy Jones, director of the League of Women Voters of Alabama Education Fund.
For Jones, that disappointment came with a dismal voter turnout in some cities. Birmingham saw a 22.08% voter turnout. In the City of Madison, 17.76% of registered voters hit the ballot box.
Jones said bringing early voting to the state could help those stats.
“We gotta figure out ‘how do we connect people to the issues,’ and understanding why, for example, local elections are absolutely critical,” she said.
Paul DeMarco, former state representative, agreed that connection is key. However, he said early voting would not impact local elections.
“Whether it’s at the U.S. Capitol, the State Capitol or City Hall, civic engagement is important,” said DeMarco. “And voters who are knowledgeable about the candidates make for better government at the local level.”
Secretary of State Wes Allen said those candidates should reach voters on the campaign trail.
“I mean, you’re gonna see these people at the ballpark. You’re gonna go to church with them,” Allen said. “You’re gonna see them at the grocery store. But it’s up to those candidates to make sure they do a good job. They’re energetic on the campaign trail, they’re engaged… and offer a good vision.”
Still, Jones said absentee voting is restrictive for voters who don’t know about the process.
“They have questions,” she said. “They have to, you know, take action to fill out an application and go through the process. And right now, that could also be something holding people back.”
There are runoff elections in several cities around the state on September 23. Jones said you might not have voted in the general election, but you can still show up and vote in those races.
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