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A News & Record editorial

There’s almost no division among Greensboro voters after all. Ninety-three percent of them agreed to sit out the City Council primary elections Tuesday.

The mystery is why.

There was no shortage of contested races, qualified candidates and important issues. Only a shortage of informed, engaged citizens at polling places.

Candidates worked hard to get out their views about crime and gangs, police department investigations, water, jobs, the environment, transportation, taxes and other concerns. Local organizations sponsored forums and invited the public. All the elements were coming together for a lively city election campaign.

Then the silent 93 percent applied the brakes, indicating by their absence that they just don’t care.

It’s a bewildering attitude. Not care about choosing representatives at the level of government that delivers basic services like public safety, water and sewer, streets and sanitation?

This year, the election will have a major impact because there’s so much room for newcomers on the council. If Greensboro residents want change, as many say, now is the time to make it happen. By voting.

Early voting for the general election begins Oct. 18. Several candidate forums are scheduled. Opportunities abound for people to become informed and get involved. Excuses for tuning out aren’t acceptable.

The candidates deserve better than a 7 percent turnout. More importantly, Greensboro deserves better. Everyone should agree that government gets better when more people vote.