By Shawn Larson
ETX Bell
It has been said that in a news desert like the area that the Bell is beginning to serve accounts for a low election turnout, however what cannot be accounted for is the fact that the Tyler area that does have a newspaper, and other media outlets to help serve and inform residents about elections still experience low turnouts in non-presidential election cycles.
Newly elected Susan Adams sworn in
According to information the Bell has received from Smith County “nearly 70,000 voters were eligible to vote in Smith County but less than 3100 actually participated.
According to Michelle Allcon an election administrator for Smith County, “this means the overall voter turnout was only 4.46%. This is an extremely poor turnout, and, unfortunately, this apathy is becoming the norm for May elections that do not include a bond or tax proposition.
Allcon goes on to say, “that any election for city council or school board is extremely important as these officials have a lot of control over the everyday lives of those that live in their districts.”
Political scientist V. O. Key echoes this sentiment when he said, “The blunt truth is that politicians and officials are under no compulsion to pay much heed to classes and groups of citizens that do not vote.” It could also be said that of vital community issues as well.
Key made this observation in his seminal 1949 work, Southern Politics in State and Nation, emphasizing the critical link between voter participation and political influence. Key’s assertion underscores the idea that elected officials are more likely to respond to the needs and concerns of groups that actively participate in the electoral process, while those who abstain from voting may find their interests overlooked.
This perspective remains relevant today, as studies continue to show that low voter turnout can lead to unequal representation and diminished accountability in governance. For instance, research indicates that communities with higher voter participation rates often receive more attention and resources from policymakers, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement in shaping responsive and equitable public policy.
It can be argued however the impact of social media instead gives individuals the idea that their participation on social media serves a greater or at least an equal value to voting. Though if used positively social media participation can help apply positive peer pressure to local officials or friends and family to take action. Most of the time however, Token Participation or “Slacktivism” is more likely. Local residents may feel posting a political meme or hashtag is equivalent to taking real-world action, such as voting, or running for office. This, however, leads to a false sense of civic engagement.
Moreover, not taking time to properly participate through civic engagement like either voting or running for a local office can lead to a lack of change in government even if change is needed. It is interesting that there hasn’t been an election for many of the city councils in several years. Complaining without civic engagement bears little to any fruit.
Another notable fact about the small election turnout is the high expense that is paid for elections is represented by the few overall participants.
Attached is the official summary report. This report shows the official results of the elections Smith County conducted on May 3, 2025. The Bell has only attached the results from the area it directly serves, but as you can see the sampling is nearly the same as the percentage for Smith overall.
“The City of Troup paid $77.50 for each vote cast in the May 3, 2025 election that just shows how expensive they can be. If every eligible voter had come vote, the cost would have been $4.08 per vote cast. That is a major difference and is another great example of voter apathy for local elections,” explained Allcon.
Cost is a big reason for turning out for elections. Elections are paid for with the budget of each political subdivision; this means they are paid for by the taxes that the political subdivision collects. A greater representation of voters lowers the cost of each voter. It is almost like million-dollar athletes playing for an empty stadium.
What is even more incredible is that if only five more people showed up in Troup for Place 4, it might have swayed the election the other way. The City of Troup Place 4 race was won by only 4 votes.
As Allcon also notes, “this is a great example of how each vote matters in these local elections and carries a lot of weight.”
The truth is that in someways the local voter who participates may actually have more direct impact on their individual lives in their local communities as when they vote for their senator or president. The impact of your local taxes, the water you drink, the way your kids are taught, the businesses that come into your community are all impacted by your local leadership. Voting can change the landscape of your community’s future. Your vote does matter.
