Biller's Bikes Gets Citizens in Gear for Election 2013

Walter Biller and Mara Wasilik say they are disappointed with voter turnout in Havre de Grace, and they are making it their business to do something about it.

"Because of low voter turnout, we don't feel that it's a good representation of what Havre de Grace citizens really want," Wasilik said.

To get citizens involved, she and Biller got their business, Biller's Bikes, certified as a voter registration station on March 27.

"With so many people of all kinds coming through our shop, this is a good place to remind the citizens of Havre de Grace that elections are held on May 7," said Wasilik.

"I think it's sort of brushed under the carpet that it's in May," Wasilik told Patch.

In the past four years, voter turnout for the municipal election each May has ranged from approximately 10 to 20 percent of registered voters. 

This year, there are seven candidates in the race and four seats to fill: three on the council and one for mayor. There will also be a question on the ballot regarding a potential property transfer.

Wasilik said that the timing of the election may be lost on some citizens but the Biller's high-traffic location should provide some exposure.

"They can either register with us or take an application and mail it themselves," Wasilik said on April 2. "Thus far, a number of folks have taken the form with them, but we have yet to register anyone here."

Until April 16, people who are not otherwise registered to vote may do so at the bike shop at 213 North Juniata St.

In addition to acting as a voter registration venue, Wasilik and Biller transformed part of the bike shop into a film set on March 29 for their "Get Out the Vote" public service announcement. Biller's plans to release the video on Facebook to generate interest in the election.

See the Havre de Grace Election 2013 page for more on the election.

This article was corrected to indicate that Biller's Bikes is a place where citizens can register to vote.