DEAR EDITOR:

Primary run-off elections are an interesting thing. In the recent run-off, there were two situations where two Republicans were vying for Commission Chair with no Democrats in the wings. South Cobb had two Democrats vying for the District 4 Commission seat with no Republican opponent.

So when you show up at the polls for the runoff you have to vote as you did in the Primaries. In my case, I took the Democratic ballot in the Primary so I could vote for my County Commissioner. In the run-off, I had to choose the same party ballot.

By doing so, as a South Cobb/District 4 resident, I was not permitted to vote or have a say who in the Commission Chair race. Likewise for those who voted on the Republican ballot.

I don’t know why the run-off elections can not be set up where if a voter, depending on their location in the county, can vote for candidates from another party, if the run-off is the final factor in who wins that seat.

Yes, I know, it’s the law. But, in my view, on the county level, it’s not so much about voting along party lines as it is voting for the best person for the job.

In a situation like this, the run-off should not take place until the general election, thus giving everyone an opportunity vote. Or at the very least modify the ballots so regardless of which ballot one chooses in a run-off, they can still vote in each race. It’s not like Cobb County elections did not have enough time. Election officials knew way in advance that this would be case.

Stan Kaady

Powder Springs