Habersham County voters faced unusually long lines and long wait times at the polls last week. Many left because of the wait; not because they wanted to, but because, they say, they had to. Parents of local middle school chorus students say they were forced to choose between voting and getting their children to a concert on time.
A system-wide chorus concert was scheduled on Nov. 4 and some parents say their children were told if they did not attend they would have to stay after school and take a test to make up the points. Chorus is a graded class in Habersham and participation in concerts is part of the grade.
Habersham County School Superintendent Matthew Cooper says while taking a make-up test should not be perceived as “punishment” he understands how scheduling a concert on election day can be perceived as poor planning:
“I can certainly understand the concern from parents regarding an evening event being held on election day. I regret to hear that any parent had to choose between voting and attending a school event. I have communicated with our middle school principals on this issue and they are considering the option of not scheduling evening school events on election day in the future.”
Cooper says parents with concerns regarding the consequences of not attending performance-based events should address those concerns with the individual teacher and/or school administrators. “Our teachers and administrators in Habersham County always stand ready to hear and address concerns from our parents. I have found that our parents, teachers, and administrators in Habersham County do a fantastic job of working together in doing what is best for students.”
Voters in Habersham County’s two largest precincts – Habersham North and Habersham South – faced wait times of between one and three hours. Two weeks of advanced and early voting preceded the Nov. 4 General Election.
