Municipal election campaigns are in full swing statewide as candidates vie for voters ahead of the August 26 elections.
Baldwin County Republican Party chairman Kathy Morelock said it is essential for voters to educate themselves and consider the views and thoughts of all candidates. She said that although candidates do not tie themselves to a specific political party in municipal elections, their values can shape the future.
"Municipal elections have been traditionally viewed as nonpartisan, but the political ideologies of the candidates are becoming much more prominent in our local elections," Morelock told 1819 News. "I just feel like, as voters, we need to be well-informed about where our municipal candidates stand on key issues because the knowledge that we gain from knowing where they stand will ultimately shape our governance."
Morelock suggested that constituents ask candidates questions about their positions on key issues.
"I think that we need to be asking our candidates things like their position on illegal immigration, law enforcement support," Morelock said. "In addition to the traditional things that you would ask like sensible development and fiscal discipline, also ask about social issues such as transgenders in women's sports and sexually explicit materials in local libraries."
In Baldwin County, Morelock said voters are concerned about traffic and overdevelopment of the beach areas.
Local politics impact the local lifestyle, Morelock said, and they trickle up to the broader community, as well as state and federal policies. That's why she encourages voters to attend meet-and-greets as the municipal elections approach.
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