Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

Unofficial results are in from this week's Primary elections. On Tuesday, August 8th, voters across Metro Detroit had decisions to make for their city primary and special elections. Telegram News readers and residents, who live in the cities of Melvindale and Westland were two of the cities that took to the polls to select new mayors. At the same time, the cities of Dearborn Heights and Inkster had on their ballots, candidates to fill new seats for city council.

The city of Melvindale reported that there are 8,639 registered voters, with about 11 percent in total that showed up to vote in person or via absentee voting. 473 votes were casted on Election Day and 479 were submitted via absentee voting. Wheeler T. Marsee, Jr., and Nicole M. Shkira will face off in the November General Election in the Mayoral Race for Melvindale. In Westland, a total of 10,498 votes were cast with only about 16 percent of residents actually voting in this primary election. According to the Wayne County election officials, the city of Westland has a total of 66,561 registered voters. The top two vote getters for Westland Mayor were Michael P. Londeau and Kevin Coleman.

The Telegram News took to the streets and asked city residents of Melvindale and Westland about their thoughts on voting. We asked, "Do you think voting is important? Why or why not?" and "What are some issues that you'd like to see improve in your city?".

Nicole Ward, City of Melvindale resident stated, "I do think voting is important because, I believe it allows me to have a say in what goes on in my community." She continues on to say that, "One issue in my area is the flooding and the power grid in the area." She would like to see some changes and improvement to her concerns.

Brittany Love, Westland resident had this to say about voting, "Voting is absolutely important especially for local elections. It's important to know who the candidates are and what they stand for because a lot of decisions impact our day to day lives. From parks and recreations to police and fire departments and even education support and resources." She goes on to talk about how there needs to be improvement in the city of Westland, when it comes to public transportation and better-quality living for low-income families, just to name a few.

There are a lot of people from all over who believe that their vote doesn't matter. Unfortunately, that is oftentimes reflected by low voter turnout rates and percentages. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and the fundamental right upon which all civil liberties rest, according to http://www.aclu.org. When the Reconstruction ended in 1877, states across the South here in America began to implement new laws that restricted the voting rights of African Americans. This is why the voting rights act of 1965 was so important and instrumental in the lives of African Americans. This act was signed into law on August 6, 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson that outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many of the southern states after the civil war.

Our ancestors, fought, for our rights and some families experienced the murder and death of loved ones, who died trying. So today, I implore you that despite what it may feel or seem like, YOUR VOICE and VOTE does make a difference.

As a community, we all need to take the time to learn about the candidates in our primary and special elections. They matter and oftentimes, these elections have a substantial lower voter rate. Primaries determine who we as a people will end up voting for in November. Did you know that primary elections are our first chance to show our support or to voice our concerns with candidates. In order to pick the best candidate that aligns with your beliefs and what you want changed in your city, you must do the work by taking your time to learn what the candidates represent.

Hopefully by reading this article, you understand a little more and that come this November, you'll understand the importance of showing up to the polls to cast your ballot. You can't complain about issues that aren't being fixed, if you've not done you civic duty.

"Voting is Not Only Your Right; Make It Your Responsibility!" says Cathy M. Garrett, Wayne County Clerk