This week started the great walk for signatures. I had the pleasure of covering an easy walking neighborhood to get signatures on the petition to place my name on the ballot for the November election. The neighborhood was mixed with homeowners and renters. I found that many renters would not sign the petition nor were they interested in the election process. Someone has encouraged them to register to vote for the last general election but they were not planning on voting for the local election. I also encountered a few of them who would not sign as they felt signing would jeopardize their employment with the State or Town. This early in the process I made the decision that someone must not only register the voter but educate them. I guess you could say that maybe they just didn't want to be bothered to sign or really didn't care so they came up with the excuse of fear. Whatever the excuse, there still needs to be education about the reason for exercising one's rights when it comes to signing a petition and voting.
While knocking on doors and greeting people, I heard many of the same comments from door to door. Granted, I was only speaking to members of the one party but it was loud and clear what major issues were on the minds of voters in that neighborhood. Very often I did not have to ask about the important issues, they were handed to me - on a silver platter! (or a brown clipboard, in this case)
I'll continue to walk and ask for signatures in other neighborhood throughout the Town, hoping to get the necessary number to place my name on the ballot. I'm not alone in this quest, I am fortunate to have many other walkers out there, helping me achieve that goal.
In closing, no matter what party you are, I strongly encourage you to sign a petition and exercise your right to choose who will represent you in the upcoming fall elections. ( I know it is early summer but fall is not that far off)
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