Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 3-1-16 Edition

Feature
Citizens Discuss Importance Of Presidential
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Beginning on Monday, registered Democrats and Republicans will have an op- portunity to cast their ballots during the Early Voting pe- riod. Unlike previous voting dates, this election is the Presidential Preference Pri- mary and you will be asked to cast ballots for a Presiden- tial candidate. The question of the week is, “How impor- tant do you think the Presi- dential Preference Primary Election is?”
Some readers shared their opinions on the impor- tance of the election and the need to vote.
DANNY GREEN
Danny Green said, “I think it is very important to get out there and vote early. It gives a lot of people an op- portunity to vote, especially those who cannot vote on Election Day.
“We have got to remem- ber that a lot of people fought and died for us to have the right to vote. This is going be a very important election and we all need to get out and vote just like we did when President Barack Obama was run- ning for office.”
MS. SHERNA BLAIR RICH
Ms. Sherna Blair Rich
said, “The importance of the Presidential Preference Pri- mary is multi-faceted. In particular, not only will the
result of this particular elec- tion reveal the respective party candidates’ names who will appear in the general election in November, it could also reveal voter pos- ture and turnout.
“However, most impor- tantly, for us registered vot- ers, we have an opportunity to exercise one of the most precious responsibilities as a United States citizen and that is, to make our voices re- sound at the polls of our con- tinued power that always makes a defining statement, lest politicians take us for granted in the democratic process of this nation.”
RONNIE MOORER
Ronnie Moorer said, “How important? Extremely important! This election and others to follow, will deter- mine whether this nation will go forward or backward. Too many laws and benefits they want to reverse or get rid of. But no matter who is elected, we must remember who is still in charge and that’s God.
“We must continue to pray for our leaders and for this nation, that things will get better.”
ROSS ANDERSON
Ross Anderson said, “It means Florida will not re- peat the last two presidential election cycles. Also, for presidential candidates and their strategists, Florida’s move offers critical clarity in
planning for 2016. If the other states follow Florida’s lead, this will completely change the primary process.
“The bottom line is WE HAVE TO GET OUT AND VOTE. Also, let’s hold ALL elected officials accountable to the community that they are lobbying for votes from.”
DR. SAMUEL WRIGHT
Dr. Samuel Wright
said, “The Presidential Pref- erence Primary Election is important. This is an oppor- tunity for the people to speak, yet this influences greatly how others perceive candidates. Every privilege
to vote reminds me of the struggles of Fannie Lou Hamer. We must speak for ourselves via the ballot box!”
JAMES RANSOM
James Ransom said, “Presidential Preference Pri- mary Elections are very im- portant because this process allows all voters an unfil- tered opportunity to learn about all of the candidates running for office. All voters should have a chance to voice their opinions and hear the opinions and ideas of all candidates before various political parties hold their re- spective national conven-
tions and select their party candidates.
“I agree with a recent comment that I read and paraphrase that primary elections provide a nation- wide stage for the free and open exchange of all ideas and opinions — the founda- tion of the American form of participatory democracy.
We still live in a country where our government is of the people, by the people and for the people it serves.
“We, the people, have a voice, we should expect our elected officials to represent our voices, protect public funds and preserve the pub- lic trust. As voters we must know the issues, gather the facts, have an agenda, sup- port political candidates who make solemn commitments to support our special inter- ests and hold those account- able who do not! We have leverage when we move as a voting-block. Get educated, register and vote...”
Preference Primary Election
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3