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September 11, 2010

E-lection

Candidates use social media to reach constituents

Special to the Progress Jacksonville Daily Progress

JACKSONVILLE — The race for Cherokee County Judge is being run a brand new way.

Like every campaign season, signs are popping up around the county and candidates are taking advantage of photo opportunities and events that allow them to talk to citizens.

But this race is expanding the use of social media — namely Faceboook.

Some of the politicians are keeping up with the times and making use of technology to talk to and hear from the voters.

Formerly a runaway hit with youngsters, Facebook is being used more and more by the general population.

Today, some of the most dramatic growth in the use of social media is among those over 55.

Facebook offers the ability to send and receive e-mail and link relevant Web sites and photos to one’s page. Additionally, users can take part in polls and have the opportunity to visit and patronize online advertisers for everything from a local restaurant to a nationally marketed product.

“It is such a helpful technology to get current messages out there,” stated County Judge candidate Marlene Jowell. “I had help setting it up, but now I enjoy posting messages, photos and reminders to voters. It allows voters to have fairly instant access to issues and information. And, more importantly, it allows for instant feedback and suggestions from citizens. Facebook is not just about kids communicating. Over 95 percent of my Facebook fans are over the age of 40!”

Jowell’s page has been up several weeks now with Robert Haberle, another County Judge candidate, launching his more recently. Both Senator Robert Nichols and State Representative Chuck Hopson have facebook pages.

Additionally, many local businesses and organizations use social media to communicate everything from a lunch special at Sadler’s to a Fun Run during Rusk’s recent Fair on the Square. There are local law firms, grocery chains and even high school classes with pages on Facebook. Easy to use and fun for families, photos can be uploaded easily and life’s special moments captured and shared with just a few clicks of the mouse.

“I want people to write on my page about the issues and concerns that are important to them,” continued Jowell.  “As a citizen and taxpayer of Cherokee County, you have the right to have access to elected officials and clear reporting of what they’re doing for your benefit. We still rely on Web sites, printed and online newspapers and broadcast news, but social media adds another dimension to the way we receive information and formulate decisions. I love it!”

To explore Facebook and get current information, go to www.facebook.com and follow the directions.

 

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