Barrow County has 31,165 registered voters but, unfortunately, only 7,405 of those voters - or 23.76 percent - participated in Tuesday's Primary.

You would think the local races on the ballot would have enticed voters to take part in helping set the county's direction for the future. But apparently voters were unmoved or too busy.

Or did voters stay away from the polls to "send a message?" Well, the message that goes out from the lack of voter turnout is that citizens aren't especially interested in determining the leadership of their local government.

It was disturbing to see poll workers anxiously looking to the doors in hopes that voters would begin coming in. The importance of being involved at the polls can't be stressed enough.

With a Primary Runoff set for Tuesday, Aug. 5, Barrow Election Supervisor Kristi Royston worries that the turnout percentage will drop even lower unless voter interest is sparked.

Fire Station 1 (Statham) had a 22.8 percent turnout with the Lions Club at 22.77 percent. The Winder Community Center's turnout was 20.79 percent.

Apalachee High School fell below 10 percent with 9.89 percent and Westside Middle School posted a 10.71 percent turnout.

Originally published Wednesday, July 16, 2008