Abilene Texas Firefighters Want Your Vote But Will Anyone Show Up?

If there's one thing I've learned over the years here in Texas, it's this: people love to complain about what happens in their city. Social media lights up with opinions every single day. But when it's time to head to the polls? That's a different story.

Abilene Firefighters Are Asking for Community Support

The Abilene Professional Firefighters Association has released a statement encouraging voters to support two firefighter-related referendums on the November ballot.

The association says the measures would create what it believes is a fair process for resolving contract negotiations between the City of Abilene and its firefighters.

Get our free mobile app

According to the firefighters, collective bargaining is already used by departments across Texas, while binding arbitration would only come into play if negotiations reach an impasse after both sides have bargained in good faith.

The association says it's asking voters to approve both measures because it believes the process would protect both the city and the firefighters who serve our community.

The Real Story Might Be Voter Turnout

Here's the part that absolutely blows my mind.

During May's local election, only about 8% of registered voters cast a ballot. Out of more than 73,000 registered voters in Taylor County, fewer than 6,000 people voted, according to KTXS. That's in a county with a population of more than 150,000 people.

Think about that for a second.

A small fraction of the community ended up making decisions that affect everyone else.

Whether You Vote Yes or No... Just Vote

I'm not here to tell you how to vote on these firefighter referendums. That's your decision. What I am saying is this: read up on the issue, hear both sides, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Then actually show up and vote.

Because your voice doesn't carry much weight if it never makes it to the ballot box.

Local elections matter. They affect our taxes, our public safety, our neighborhoods, and the future of Abilene. If we want our community to move in the direction we believe is right, it starts with something incredibly simple.

Get out and rock the vote this November in Texas!