Georgians have been voting in primary elections since about 1964. And we still don't have it down.

Why do Democrats get to answer intriguing straw poll questions when Republicans can't - and vice versa? Why can't I vote for whomever I want? Why am I stuck with one party's ballot or the other?

These and other frustrations continue to haunt voters decades into the primary election system here.

One voter we talked to was fit to be tied after trying to vote as an independent in the July 20 primary. Of course, you can't do that: A primary election is essentially a function of the two major parties - the state is merely facilitating it. The primary basically took the place of conventions and smoke-filled rooms in which party bosses picked nominees to elective office.

Fact is, as frustrating as it seems at times, Georgians have more freedom than most: In many states, you have to register as Republican or Democrat ahead of time, and you're stuck with that ballot on election day. In Georgia, you merely declare an affiliation at the polling place and, in the case of primaries, you pick up a ballot for that party. ...

The larger point, though, is how unfamiliar voters still seem to be with how the primary election system works.

A cynic might suggest that we'd be more familiar with it if more of us made use of it: Fewer than 15 percent of Richmond County voters went to the polls July 20.

You also have to wonder if schools are teaching civics as well as they ought to.

Ultimately, though, if we don't understand our system of government, whose fault is it but our own?

Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer

Grace period on texting law debatable

The wisdom of a "grace period" granted to Georgia drivers in the enforcement of a new anti-texting law was, in the opinion of some, debatable at best.

As of Aug. 1, the debate is moot.

The first day of August brings official enforcement of a law against reading, writing or sending text messages while driving; it also prohibits cell phone use by teen drivers.

Through July, the Georgia State Patrol has been issuing warnings to drivers seen texting at the wheel. Drivers on Georgia roads should now consider themselves duly warned.

As of August, drivers caught texting while driving will be subject to a $150 fine and one point on the state's license "scoring" system, even for a first offense.

Texting at the wheel is a truly egregious form of recklessness, and responsible drivers in Georgia have waited for this law long enough. Maybe a month longer than enough.