Are you Ready for August 7th?

This article is a rework of a similar article written before the April election so it might seem familiar. However the dates and links have been updated so that this could be a resource for residents seeking to vote on August 7th, 2007.

It's a shame that Municipal elections typically have a much lower turnout than State or Federal elections. For those who think that Municipal government doesn't mean much compared to other higher levels of government consider this:

How can the Federal government impact your family's daily life? They can increase your taxes. What about the State Government? They can hike your taxes too. And the County Government? They're the odd man out, they can raise your property taxes.

Though all of these problems can have a negative impact on the bottom line of most families, they really don't compare to Municipal government in my opinion. There are of course a number of other issues that can happen at the above levels of government. However, rarely do they do something with more impact than the above.

City government can decide to allow a new development project requiring the land your home is on. They can condemn your house, rezone your lot so you can't live there anymore and even refuse to give you an occupancy permit, preventing you from living in your legally owned property in the first place. Want to add a roof to your front porch? Want your street repaired? hear a prowler outside? You address all of these concerns and much more through City Hall.

Though many of the items listed as Municipal issues can happen on the other government levels as well, they rarely do. However, the above abuses are regular occurrences in cities throughout the country. Considering the damage Municipal government is capable of, we really need to take it seriously.

The next Municipal election will be on August 7th, 2007 where the residents of Overland will choose their next Mayor. Polls will be open from 6:00AM to 7:00PM. Though you might not have voted in a long time (if at all) your vote does count. The only way the majority of the city is represented is if the majority gets out and votes. Make the decision to vote on August 7th, today.

There are a host of Internet resources out there for those who have questions about voting or issues they need to address in order to vote. The St. Louis County Election Board is online and has a host of information available to voters.

Are you concerned you will not be in the area on August 7th? Find out who can vote absentee and if you qualify, get the absentee ballot application and make sure to get it to the Election Board by August 1st, 2007.

Not a Registered voter? Find out who can legally vote, and if you qualify, get the voter registration form and make sure you get that to the Election Board ( map ) no later than July 11th, 2007.

Not sure where you are supposed to vote? Just visit the Election Board website and enter your street address to find your polling place.

Of course, being an informed voter is the ideal. To get you started, check out the Election Board's August 7th Sample Ballot (PDF). You can also attend the Mayoral Debate being held at the Lions Hall (near Lackland and Sims) by the League of Women Voters on Wednesday, July 11th. We hope to soon have a candidates list online for our readers as well.

I hope to see every single Overland Resident at the polls in August. That would be a line I would be proud to stand in. There are likely to be more information sources and more events associated with the August election as it draws closer. If you know of any PLEASE click the comments link below and let us know or if you prefer, email me by clicking here.

(Please note: below this article are several new articles)