Local Businessman Seeks Change in Voting Process

A local Franklin County businessman is asking the Franklin County Board of Commissioners to change the way people vote for commission seats.

Currently, candidates running for office are elected by the general voting population, but Paul Withers of

Withers Construction wants the vote to be by district only.

Withers came before the Board Tuesday night during their monthly work session.

He told the Commission having only those in the district for which the candidate is running should be allowed to vote.

We vote now countywide,” he said. “I’m trying to determine how to give people in Franklin County a choice on how they vote for their district commissioner. I’m going to personally try to find out how that can be done.”

Withers said one reason he believes a change is needed is because different parts of the County have different issues.

“Every district is so unique within itself. Royston is different from Gumlog. I don’t feel like anybody understands Royston better than the people that live there. When I go to vote I feel a little bit funny voting for people in Royston area and voting for who I want to represent their district. I feel like they ought to be doing this.”

Withers said he has been in contact with State Rep Alan Powell whom, he said, is in favor of district voting rather than countywide voting.

After hearing from Withers, Commission chair Thomas Bridges noted it is not up to the Board to determine how voting takes place, but any change must be done through the State Legislature.

Commissioner Jeff Jacques then said he would be in favor of whatever the voters decided and suggested the question be put on the November ballot.

“To me it would be good to have a non-binding referendum on the November ballot, letting the citizens determine if they would like to make that change or keep it as is,” Jacques said. “

The Board took no vote on the matter, but County Manager Beth Thomas said she would research the procedure for getting the question on the November ballot.

Thomas also noted she would consult with the County attorney on exactly how the change would need to be done.