The citizens of Berrien and Cass counties should be disappointed with themselves and their neighbors after Tuesday’s election, not because of the results but because of the effort that went into that outcome.

Once the final votes were tallied the Niles Community Schools bond levy passed. Thankfully. But an important point that could be lost in that victory is that apathy struck once again.

Voter turnout was disappointing, with less than one out of every five registered voters willing to stand up and make their voice heard. In Berrien County only 17 percent of the 124,312 registered voters turned out. In Cass, it was about 18 percent.

Some people will try to argue that there wasn’t enough on the ballot to entice voters to the polls, but those individuals are completely missing the big picture.

This special election was about quality over quantity.

For most Niles voters, the ballot included two levies for the school district. For everyone else it included the statewide initiative that would have provided funding for education and road improvements, two things that should resonate with everyone.

If those issues aren’t important enough to entice someone to give 20 minutes of their time I do not know what is.

This has been a continued trend across the country for years now and no one knows how to fix it.

Our nation was built upon the principles of an informed and engaged citizenry who govern themselves. That isn’t really the case any longer as far too many citizens don’t care who gets into public office and don’t pay much attention to the decisions they make until it is far too late.

Whether or not an individual supported these issues or were against them becomes completely irrelevant. The important factor is that we do not waste our opportunity to allow our voices to be heard.

Unfortunately, too many Berrien and Cass residents did just that. Thankfully it didn’t cost the children of our community the opportunity for a quality education in modern facilities.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.