Spring Hill mayor promotes pie-in-the-face challenge to increase voter turnout - Columbia Daily Herald

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One thing Mayor Rick Graham has always voiced throughout his time serving Spring Hill is how to encourage more citizens to vote in local elections.

Of all the incentives and changes proposed over the years to increase the city's historically low voter turnout, Graham has decided to go back to basics ― offering citizens the chance to pie him in the face.

Graham issued the challenge earlier this month, later posting a video message to citizens Friday at the start of early voting, which will continue through Saturday, April 3.

This year's election will include votes for a new mayor, as well as seats in each of the city's four wards.

Low voter turnout has been a common trend over the last few Spring Hill elections. In 2017, the numbers reflected a voter turnout of only 7.72%. The numbers were even lower two years later, with 2019's drawing just 5.67% of the city's 27,271 registered voters.

"Historically, Spring Hill lately has been running at about 5.67% of registered voters. That's like 16 voters out of 100 people," Graham said in the video

Rick Nelson was one of about 100 people to cast their ballot early at Spring Hill's Winchester Community Center on Monday.

"If you don’t vote, you can’t complain," Nelson said.

Patricia Smith, who also cast her ballot on Monday, said it was her duty as a citizen to do so.

Nelson's top concern – growth and development –  has remained a pervasive  topic throughout the city's government in recent years.

"When I moved in three years ago, I had fields around me and now there are houses around me," Smith said. "That is a concern, that we are growing too fast for our infrastructure."

Smith said she hopes the elected administration will take a "hard look" so the community does not lose its "small town feel in a world that is ever changing."

Maury County Administrator of Elections Todd Baxter said the city of nearly 50,000 residents has a history of low voter turnout, especially for municipal elections.

"There has been flyers mailed, notifications given and town hall meetings," Baxter said. "A lot has been done to try to generate that interest and hopefully people are paying attention. This election, not only do you have alderman, but you are also voting for the mayor so it is even more important to get out and vote."

Initially, Graham said he would receive the face full of whipped toppings if the final voting numbers exceeded 10%. However, he's skeptical that constituents can reach that goal.

"You know what, that's not good enough. I'm going to lower it down to 8%, because it ain't going to happen," Graham said. "I don't believe we can hit 8%, and I definitely don't think we can hit 10%. So I challenge each of you to get out and vote, do your homework and your due diligence."

He also emphasized the importance of voting in local elections, especially at a time when so many new candidates are running, and while the city faces such issues as roadway infrastructure projects and the need to fill important staff positions such as city administrator.

"We have some great candidates running, this election is so important. The local elections are just as important, if not more than the state and national elections. So get out and vote, and I will take a pie in the face."

Graham also pledged that Spring Hill Fire Chief Terry Hood and Police Chief Don Brite will also participate.

"All three of us will take a pie in the face, for you," Graham said.

Early voting will be held at the Winchester Community Building, 563 Maury Hill St. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. The polls will be closed Friday, April 2 in observance of Good Friday.

The local election commission continues to take precautions to protect both election officials and members of the public from potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus including acrylic barriers and social distancing guidelines.  

The Link Lonk


March 23, 2021 at 09:37PM
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Spring Hill mayor promotes pie-in-the-face challenge to increase voter turnout - Columbia Daily Herald

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