Attempt to Drive Up Voter Turnout Under Fire

Recently, the owners of Biller's Bikes released a YouTube video with the hope of increasing voter participation.

Citing the 10 to 20 percent turnout rate at the polls in Havre de Grace as the impetus, the video included various community members sharing what they would vote for in the city. Things like "more bike racks" and "lower water rates" were among the visions citizens shared. The approximately five-minute piece was set to the song "Heroes" by David Bowie and entitled "Be a Hero and Vote!"

At the Ontario-Otsego Positive Action Committee's May 1 candidate forum, the following question (and comment) was submitted to the moderator about the video.

"Voting does not make a person a hero, but a responsible citizen. The real heroes are those who gave their lives before us to protect this right. To the four candidates who participated in this video, were you aware that the three incumbent candidates were excluded from this video? If so, on what level do you believe this video to be a public service?"

The candidates' responses are attached as an uncut video.

Patch sought a response from Biller's Bikes in regard to the question, but the owners had not responded at the time of publication.

Patch Associate Regional Editor Sean Welsh participated in the filming of the video after seeing it advertised on Facebook and after being told all candidates were invited.

See Also:

• Biller's Bikes Gets Citizens in Gear for 2013 Election
• Havre de Grace Voter Registration Numbers Are In
• Biller's Bikes Creates PSA to Increase Voter Turnout

See more election coverage on the Havre de Grace Patch 2013 election page.