In the era of the Founding Fathers, voting was a privilege accorded to a limited group—mostly landowning men. Over time, tireless activists and leaders fought to expand this right, ensuring that today, every American citizen over 18 has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. This Tuesday, as residents head to the polls to vote for the Board of Selectmen, Town Council, Board of Education candidates, and other positions, it’s a moment to remember and respect the historical significance of that ballot in hand.
The U.S. Constitution, while laying out the broader framework for our democratic republic, left voting qualifications largely in the hands of the states. This meant that, for much of our nation’s early history, suffrage was narrow and exclusive. Decades of strife and struggle expanded these rights, with amendments granting voting rights irrespective of race or gender. Such battles remind us of the value of our vote, a right earned through sacrifice and protest.
Still, even with these amendments in place, voter suppression tactics like poll taxes and literacy tests sought to silence specific demographics. The battle for a truly inclusive democracy is one that has seen both victories and setbacks, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant and protective of our voting rights.
In New Canaan it is a bit different. We have an active and informed electorate, and they vote. In 2021, the last municipal election, 49 percent of residents came out to vote. That is very impressive and important.
Why does your vote matter? Historically, the narrowest of margins have changed the trajectory of our nation. The 2000 Bush-Gore race, determined by just 537 votes in Florida, is a testament to the impact of every single vote. Likewise, the 2016 election demonstrated the significant weight of strategic voting in swing states.
Beyond these national examples, local elections, often overlooked, play a pivotal role in our daily lives. These decisions directly influence our communities, from school boards to selectmen’s offices. It’s alarming then to realize that a mere 15-percent of eligible voters turn out for such elections, as per a Portland State University study. This minimal participation underscores that in local elections, every vote not only counts -it resonates.
In New Canaan it is a bit different. We have an active and informed electorate, and they vote. In 2021, the last municipal election, 49 percent of residents came out to vote. That is very impressive and important. Holding office, whether it be as Selectman, member of the Board of Education, Town Council, is at its core a public trust. Voters want to put into those very important positions people they can trust because they are the ones responsible for maintaining our town, schools, taxes, and numerous other aspects of our community.
This Tuesday, the direction our community takes is in the voter’s hands.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is not just a right—it’s a duty. As Abraham Lincoln wisely noted, the power of elections rests with the people. It’s our decision, our voice, and our future at stake.
We call on every eligible voter in New Canaan to step forward, cast their vote, and shape our shared destiny. Your vote is a testament to democracy in action, a tribute to those who fought for this right, and a beacon for the future we envision together.
