NEWS
The following is an opinion piece from Savannah Area Chamber board member Karen Guinn, Creator of Collective Marketing.
Progress Requires Participation
Our right to vote was hard fought and won. It took centuries of struggle to secure this privilege — for property-less men, for African American men, for women, finally in 1920, and in 1971, for all citizens over the age of 18. Many fought and even died to make it possible. As the great Susan B. Anthony famously said, “Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.”
Voting is not just a right; it’s a responsibility — one that sustains our democracy and safeguards the progress we’ve made.
Too often, attention and turnout peak only during presidential elections. Yet it’s the local elections that most directly affect our daily lives — the quality of our schools, our roads, public safety, and economic growth. These decisions shape the very foundation of our communities and the climate in which businesses operate.
Our vote is our voice, and it’s how we hold officials accountable and express what we believe is in our collective best interest. When only a fraction of citizens participate, the voices of the many go unheard — and the priorities of the few dominate. In close local contests, a small number of votes can determine outcomes that touch every household and business in our county.
This November 4, in addition to municipal elections, Chatham County voters will have the opportunity to decide on two important referendums: the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST 8) and a homestead exemption for school taxes.
A YES vote for SPLOST will fund more than $700 million in projects over the next six years — from critical drainage and infrastructure improvements to investments in public safety, early childhood education, and community facilities. These are the types of projects that strengthen our local economy, improve quality of life, and make our region more resilient and competitive.
As business and community leaders, we understand that progress requires investment — and investment requires participation. Elections are decided not only by those who vote, but also by those who stay home.
Thomas Jefferson once said, “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” On November 4, let’s be that majority. Let’s vote — not just because we can, but because our community’s future depends on it.
Early voting is open now. Find your polling location HERE.
Thank you,
Karen Guinn
Creator,
Collective Marketing