Nonpartisan races lead to winners without majority

Most elections include two parties, Republican and Democrat and the occasional Libertarian. The overflow of candidates filing for these seats are eventually reduced by a primary that selects one candidate from each party to run in the general election. The primary process results in the winner being elected by a true majority of the electorate in the general election. (I know, what about the Presidential election? Agree with it or not, the electoral college carries that load.)

Being “nonpartisan,” candidates for the Board of Education (BOE), City Council and a few judges, are exempt from revealing their party affiliations and the “fine tuning” process of a primary. The result is that almost every “winner” in the school board election is likely to be elected by a minority of the total votes cast. This taints the democratic process.

I asked the NC legislation to consider changing Board of Education nonpartisan registrations to ensure a democratic outcome. The NCGA’s response was, “The Board of Education needs to send us a resolution requesting this change.” I have news for Raleigh, this is not a Board of Education issue; it is a countywide issue.

All public offices, from senate to dog catcher, should be required to reveal their party affiliation. For those unwilling to admit they are Rs, Ds or Ls, let them run as “unaffiliated” if they choose. At least the electorate will know the political roots of each candidate or if they have any roots. This is true democracy.

Before someone jumps in with some meaningless comment, this has nothing to do with my failure to be reelected to the Board of Education. Those who know me know why I ran and what I accomplished.

— Chuck Hughes

Salisbury

Granite Quarry did it right

I want to commend Granite Quarry for the nice Christmas decorations. I think Granite is the prettiest town I have seen.

The park with the trees and most of the houses as you come to the town are decorated. I drive through Granite Quarry at least two or four times an evening and enjoy it every time. Even the large snowflakes on the poles are nice. Thank you, Granite Quarry for doing such a fine job.

— Judy Nolte

Salisbury