Quote:
Originally Posted by VitaBene
IMO FLL has a pretty good point. The numbers are still not going to be there (this Presidential election was likely one of the highest percetage wide ever) but TM seems a little behind the times considering all of our crazy lives and schedules.
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It's one evening a year. All politics are local. Reschedule things, or don't complain.
Yes, it's a much bigger commitment than going to the polls and spending 5 minutes filling out a ballot. But it also allows for much more open and honest discussion of issues that directly affect you and your neighbor. Ever spend any time talking to people who have just voted in a presidential election? A large number of them aren't able to tell you who they voted for down ticket or why. ("Why" might often be party affiliation, which is a vapid reason.) Do you want voters who haven't taken the time to inform themselves to spend five minutes making a pattern of X's on the ballot, and deciding your town budget? I'd much rather sit through the debates, which are often interminable,
but know that everyone else did too - then I know that we all have a basic understanding of the issues.
But yes, fewer people are willing to make that sacrifice. And lots of people try to get out of jury duty.
I do share the skepticism that voting on the entire warrant is done at the end of the night....but I've never been to a NH town meeting, so I'll defer.