Tuesday is an important day for the citizens of Muscatine. It is Election Day with registered voters going to the polls to vote on who will be the mayor for the next two years along with selecting candidates to fill the three council seats that are on the ballot. Voting is the right and privilege of every U.S. citizen who has taken the time to register to vote, using their voice, anonymously, to select the leaders who have the future of Muscatine in their hands for the next two years.
The City of Muscatine believes strongly in this process and we participate by voting our conscious just as every citizen should. If you have not participated in this election yet, please make time to vote Tuesday.
The polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Muscatine. Residents in the First Ward (Precincts 1 & 2) and the Third Ward (Precincts 5 & 6) vote at the Muscatine Community School Administration Building (2900 Mulberry Avenue). Residents in the Second Ward (Precincts 3 & 4) vote at Clark House (117 West 3rd Street). Residents in the Fourth Ward (Precincts 7 & 8) vote at Mulford Church (2400 Hershey). Residents in the Fifth Ward (Precincts 9 & 10) vote at the Muscatine Community College (MCC) McAvoy Center (1403 Park Avenue). Your voter registration card has your precinct number on it.
Voter registration has officially ended, but you can still register tand vote at the polling centers Tuesday with a photo ID and proof of residency. More information on registering and where to vote can be found at the Muscatine County Auditor’s web site by clicking here.
Municipal elections usually do not bring out the vote but they are just as important as any state or national election. Just 12 percent of registered voters made it to the polls for the 2015 election and just seven percent voted in a mayor’s race that was decided by 120 votes (820-700). Only six percent voted in 2011 and 11 percent in 2009. Voting for the council seats was equally disappointing but not inconsistent with municipal election trends.
The old adage still applies, though … if you don’t vote – don’t complain. Be sure to vote this year and offset the trends of the last several election cycles.
We hope that the citizens of Muscatine take this opportunity and express their hope for Muscatine’s future at the ballot box. We are all working toward the common goal … making Muscatine a better place to work, live, and raise a family … and your vote Tuesday will demonstrate your investment in that goal.
VOTE TUESDAY!