We have a choice. It is part of our national identity to have free choice. We are an opinionated bunch: we carry on to family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and “the world” through social media.
We write letters to the editor, attend rallies, protests and meetings. We put signs on our lawns.
What we don’t seem too invested in is showing up to elect our representatives. According to the Gazette, a paltry 9.7 percent of Northampton’s 20,423 registered voters turned out to choose among the four at-large City Council candidates July 7.
In this case, “Think Global, Act Local” might be interpreted as “participate in the process,” and if you are able, help those in need of assistance to do the same.
Shouldn’t a majority of registered voters be required to cast a ballot to make the election legitimate? Not every one of us (nor the majority) has the luxury of time and energy to pay attention to issues outside of their immediate survival. In our current economy, that extra energy is a privilege. Some of us voted, and may feel smug.
If the goal is to feel as though we belong together as a community, then we with privilege (such as those of us with free time, energy and attention; a reliable vehicle; flex time at our jobs; affordable child care; suitable housing; or “simply” feeling safe in our day-to-day lives) may need to look inside ourselves and ask, “What am I doing with this privilege I have?”
Further secure one family’s privileges, or leverage them to make sure others “belong” too?
Self-care at everyone else’s expense, or help our community be a calmer, safer place where all our neighbors belong?
Should majority participation be required for an election to be lawful?
We have a choice.
Toni Hochstadt
Northampton