Editorial - Make Election Day About Your Priorities

Approximately 1,700 people voted in the September Republican primary. Over 33,000 people are registered as Republicans in Smithtown. Blame the rain, blame the candidates or blame apathy, but the fact remains that less than 6 percent of those eligible to vote did so. Primary voting is normally low but this was a hotly contested election, the stakes were high and few people thought it important enough to vote.

Low voter turnout is demoralizing to candidates, disrespectful to those who have died in service to our country, and problematic for the future of our young people.

We are a republic. We empower our elected officials to make decisions on our behalf. Once elected an official will make decisions that impact on your wallet and your quality of life. Winning an election gives them that authority. Not voting gives others power over your future and sends the signal that you don’t care. 

At the town level elected officials appoint people to the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals. They will vote on the budget, replacing department heads, whether or not we move forward with commissioners. Decisions that impact your wallet and your quality of life. How do you want your tax dollars spent? 

What do you think is important? Is it downtown revitalization, traffic, taxes, is protecting the environment important to you, maintaining zoning, increasing the tax revenue, maintaing property values, parks or something else? Ask questions. Make this election about your priorities.

Make elections mean something. Make this election personal and vote.

The League of Women Voters of Smithtown is hosting a candidate debate Monday, October 5. Candidates for local offices will take questions. It is a great opportunity to listen and learn about the candidates positions.

Election Day is November 3.

Pat

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