To the editor:
One issue that should transcend political boundaries is the belief that we all have a fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy, regardless of party affiliation. However, our right to vote is only as valid as our ability to exercise it. The more accessible we make voting, the more we encourage inclusive participation, and the better we uphold our fundamental rights and strengthen our representative democracy.
Conversely, when we fail to engage the electorate, we undermine a right that deserves robust protection from our government.
Moving local elections to November will significantly enhance access to voting by offering early voting options and aligning these elections with national contests, which typically see higher turnout. County-administered elections will see more security and oversight. Some have expressed concern about the change in timing encouraging a partisan vote, but we must trust an informed electorate to (1) research issues as they desire and (2) vote as they desire, whether along partisan lines or not. The suggestion that we are limited in our ability to absorb a large amount of information and vote intelligently about local issues in November is an insult to our community.
This is a nonpartisan issue—higher voter turnout enriches our local democracy and benefits everyone, regardless of the outcome.
Aartie Manansingh
525 Wynnewood Road