There are very few elections taking place in the 2011 cycle on November 8; nevertheless, they are important. Many municipalities will vote on Sunday alcohol sales and SPLOST measures. PLEASE INFORM YOURSELF AND VOTE. For information about your polling place and ballot for the 2011 election, visit the Secretary of State's website or take a tour through the AJC/League of Women Voters Ballot.
Click on the following links for Sample Ballots for Dekalb County and Fulton County.
We could not find much information about candidates and measures this cycle.
Candidates running in opposed races about whom we have heard good things include:
ATLANTA - Board of Education District 2 - Angela Brown
DECATUR - Board of Education District 1 Post B - Garrett Goebel
DOUGLASVILLE - Mayor - Terry Miller
EAST POINT - City Council, Ward A - Steve Bennett
City Council, Ward B - Lance Rhodes
City Council, Ward C - Kenneth DeLeon
A word on the education E-SPLOST measures:
Many are rightfully frustrated with the cheating scandals and perceived school board mismanagement of funds that have plagued area publc school districts. Many are also rightfully concerend about tax increases in these tight times. Before voting no on the E-SPLOST measure to send a message, however, it is worthwhile to consider the affirmative view. As trusted progressive leader Stacey Abrams (House Minority Leader for the Georgia General Assembly) writes:
"I intend to vote YES on the E-SPLOST for the Atlanta Public Schools. Despite concerns about governance, the APS E-SPLOST has been instrumental in improving the physical plant where our children spend most of their learning hours. Continuation of the E-SPLOST will provide necessary repairs to schools, improve technology for those students that continue to lag behind and offer students the critical tools necessary to meet academic goals. Specifically, in District 84, the E-SPLOST willupgrade and/or replacing major building systems for East Lake, Mary Lin, Toomer, and Whitefoord Elementary Schools, Coan Middle School, and Crim Open Campus. Having worked closely this year with the school board, as the Governor's Liaison to the SACS Accreditation review, I am satisfied that these funds will benefit their intended recipients - the children of the Atlanta Public School System.
Although I do not vote on the DeKalb or City of Decatur Schools ballot measures, both school districts are within House District 84 (specifically projects for Oakhurst Elementary School and Renfroe Middle School). After careful review, I support the measures on these ballots as well. The E-SPLOST has been a well-regulated, critical funding mechanism in these areas, and their use for capital projects has been essential to improving the physical plant for students. However, additional remediation is required, and the E-SPLOST is the most efficient and cost-effective means for meeting our obligations to our children." |
Finally, below you will find a few links to information and endoresements of progressive organizations we typically rely on for our voter guides. We hope you will find these links helpful as you determine your voting choices. Thank you!
EduKalb
Georgia Equality
