It's getting close to that time of year again when registered voters can exercise their right to cast a ballot and vote for the candidates of their choice.
Unfortunately, many of our registered voters just are not voting. As of our most recent primary election in August, out of the 84,042 registered voters in Maui County, only 25,702 actually voted.
That's a 30 percent turnout. It's not the worst we have ever had, but it's nothing to be proud of either.
We need everyone to vote. We need the old and the young, the rich and the poor. Tell your neighbors to vote. Tell our Maui college students to vote. Get on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and spread the word.
But no matter how you deliver the message, get the message out. And the message is this: "Thirty percent is not enough, so please, get out and vote."
That and remember these dates:
* Oct. 8 was the last day to register to vote in the general election.
* Oct. 30 is the last day to send in applications/requests for absentee voting.
* Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 are the dates during which absentee ballots can be cast.
* Nov. 6 is the general election.
Remember, only by having active community members who participate in the workings of government can we have a truly achieve a better life for everyone.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve you.
Mayor Alan Arakawa
Wailuku
