It’s disappointing that a majority of south county voters apparently couldn’t be bothered to make it to the polls for the April 5 election.

Voters in the city of Sunset Hills led the way in terms of turnout April 5, despite the ballot problems that plagued some of the city’s polling places. As reported today by the Call’s Gloria Lloyd, the county Board of Election Commissioners is considering whether to hold another election for Sunset Hills and other cities with the most disenfranchised voters.

Citywide, however, 30.42 percent of voters turned out for the election that saw Ward 4 Alderman Pat Fribis overwhelmingly elected mayor over three challengers, Ward 1 Alderman Rich Gau defeat former Alderman Frank Hardy and Thompson Price prevail over Stephen Shady in Ward 4.

In Crestwood, a total of 28.6 percent of voters turned out for the election that saw incumbent Ward 1 Alderman Richard Breeding and incumbent Ward 2 Alderman Mary Stadter unopposed. In Ward 3, former Alderman Jerry Miguel prevailed over two opponents, while newcomer Tony Kennedy prevailed over three opponents in Ward 4.

A total of 15.63 percent of Green Park voters cast ballots in the April 5 election, which saw three incumbents — Carol Hamilton of Ward 1, James Jones Jr. of Ward 2 and Fred Baras of Ward 3 — unopposed.

In Lindbergh Schools, a total of 22.67 percent of voters turned out for the election in which newcomer Jennifer Miller and former Crestwood Ward 4 Alderman Mike Tsichlis prevailed over three other candidates.

A total of 19.43 percent of Mehlville School District voters cast ballots in the election that saw newcomer Kevin Schartner and incumbent Larry Felton prevailing over incumbent Lori Trakas, and approval of the district’s Proposition A with nearly 64 percent of ballots cast.

In the Mehlville Fire Protection District, 19.62 percent of voters turned out to consider the district’s Proposition S, which was overwhelmingly approved with nearly 84 percent of ballots cast.

Voters should take advantage of the opportunity to have their voices heard in each and every election. By not doing so, they allow a minority to make decisions for the majority.

Perhaps President Abraham Lincoln said it best: “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”