One big lesson from the failure of the Gwinnett County MARTA Referendum

Justin Hart, an opponent of Gwinnett's MARTA contract, holds a 'Vote No' sign as cars drive past the polling precinct at the Collins Hill library branch Tuesday. (Gwinnett Daily Post Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans)

It seems as if the no votes have it, about 55% no and 45% yes.  Not terrible for the pro-transit forces but a defeat just the same.

When you have funding referenda in "off-elections," that is, outside of the more typical primary and general election cycle associated with elections for state and federal offices, the electorate tends to be more conservative and is more likely to vote against tax increases.

-- "Gwinnett MARTA referendum has failed," Atlanta Journal-Constitution

So (1) getting the election cycle right and (2) having enough time to build support are the two key factors, especially in regions where the automobility paradigm is so dominant.

Cars drive past a 'Vote Yes' sign put up by pro-MARTA group Go Gwinnett on West Pike Street in Lawrenceville on Tuesday. (Staff Photo: Curt Yeomans). "Gwinnett back at square one after MARTA rejected in key vote," Gwinnett Daily Post.

For whatever reason the decision was made to not have the election last fall in the general election cycle.

Rather than have a special election, they should have waited two years for the next general election cycle.