Undervote rate skyrockets during major election years

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – It's easy to get caught up in the hoopla of Trump vs. Clinton. Who are you going to vote for?

Perhaps a better question is who will you vote for locally?

Gordy Bunch, secretary on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, said undervote rates skyrocket during governor or national elections.

An undervote is a ballot not counted because voters don't make a selection in nonpartisan elections. Those who straight-ticket vote will need to continue to go through the ballot in order to be counted.

Bunch said the average undervote rate is 5-10 percent, but during a large election year – such as this year – it's almost 40 percent.

"It's our local Township election that residents need to engage with," Bunch said. "Local elected officials are responsible for parks and recreation, fire departments, waste management … all of the things that impact our community on a daily basis."

Bunch said it's important to fully complete the ballot on election day, which is Nov. 8.

Meanwhile, the Montgomery County Elections Office is conducting a voter registration drive through Oct. 11. For more information, click here.

"The future of our community is in the hands of the voter," Bunch said. "It's our duty to let their voices be heard."