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Ramblings on Voting and Election Etiquette

Ramblings on Voting and Election Etiquette

Due to events that have ensued over the past several days, it got me thinking about election etiquette.  Is there such a thing? And if so, what is it? What does it sound like? What does it look like? What does it FEEL like?

This voter is pondering these questions and I do not yet have answers. Have I personally been offended by the goings on around town lately? No. Have I been awkwardly approached while out and about? No. That being said, I can tell you what DOES offend me. Registered voters who CHOOSE not to vote. Voting is a right, a duty, an honor and I'm sure people from other parts of the world would even say it is A GIFT.  So, why don't people vote?

My personal belief is that people in this day and age are so busy working to support their families, helping grandchildren, running to sports or the like, and the very few minutes they have for down time is NOT going to be spent attending candidate events or catching up on the gossip laden media that's out there. I get it. I do. I happen to be a stay at home mom that is often caught chasing her own tail! But it begs the question, "How do we get those people to vote? To care?" And better yet, "How do you help people get educated about a vote so that they feel empowered to do so?" To help them realize that voting should be a priority, not a chore. That residents should choose to stop at a voting center instead of easily driving home after a long day of work. I'm sure some might say that they want to see their spouse, family, go to dinner or just crash on the couch, right? They are certainly entitled to do that and they deserve it. But I believe that under the busy, crazy day of work and family lies APATHY.  Why don't they care about their town and it's residents? Do they feel guilty about being uninformed? Do they have difficulty accessing the information?  Are they so overwhelmed with life, that it's just one more thing to think about? I really don't know. I'd love to get your individual thoughts. Email me at kimmccarthy72@yahoo.com. We should work on this as a community!


Well, if there's one thing we can all agree on right now, is that those who run for office are passionate with a capital P. They feel strongly about their town and they are taking a stand.  I find it admirable. They are stepping up. They are ready to serve. The majority of candidates will do so willingly and for FREE. Isn't passion the OPPOSITE of apathy? So, how do these folks share their passion ? How do they reach out to residents? How do they get people to care? To vote?  And what etiquette should they follow when doing so?

Here's what prompted my questions. The other day my husband read something to me on the Patch that really got me thinking. (Crazy, huh?) I stay away from that site mainly because, on most days, I turn into a very unreasonable person when I read it. (I know I'm not the only one)! A resident wrote about being offended by the ugly lawn signs, candidates being at town events and the use of social media to promote one's self or party. I can appreciate where he/she is coming from. Truly. But it prompted me to think about the etiquette of elections. What's appropriate to put out there and when? Do lawn signs help a voter? Are mailings enough to educate voters? There's also political meet and greets, but if you're unaffiliated like I am, you're often not invited or unaware they are happening. So, are these three ways an appropriate and effective way to reach out to he community? Should it stop there? I don't think so.

In terms of mailings, it all sounds good when you read it, doesn't it? Everyone's got a plan for Brookfield and it sounds great. Well, of course it does, they've CHOSEN what they want on there. They've given you all of the good stuff and it's carefully worded. But does a piece of paper encapsulate someone's character or belief system?  Does a lawn sign show their genuineness? Are people that party loyal that they don't need more information? That party loyal that they don't want to meet, hear or speak with candidates? Apparently. I attended several Meet the Candidates events this election season and the turnout of Brookfield residents was absolutely embarrassing.

So now I'm thinking that in a town of several thousand people, candidates realize that mailings and meetings are not enough. They need to do what they can to spread their message. Share what they believe in. They're going to attend additional town events, walk the soccer fields, and maybe even approach strangers; all to engage voters. (I'll comment on social media another day). I can and do appreciate that people might be uncomfortable with this. A few years ago, it made me uncomfortable too, because I wasn't really aware of town issues, the status of our schools or recent referendums at the time. I was uncomfortable listening and talking about something I didn't know much about. I just wanted to be left alone, just me and my........apathy?  But, let's pause a minute. Doesn't that say more about ME than the candidate? They are simply the person who wants to be elected by ME to serve ME. 

Yes, I was at the Trunk or Treat last Sunday and I saw the decorated candidate cars from BOTH parties. And you know what? Everyone smiled and gave my kids candy. Some even dressed up and got festive. They all seemed to enjoy seeing the kids and being a part of the day. I was not subject to political rantings by anyone. And when my son asked,"Why do some people have signs in their cars?" I told him, "Because they all want to make Brookfield better". I believe that. Wholeheartedly. I don't choose to believe that was a complete fake out; that candidates were there to solely self-promote. I feel badly for those who do. I choose to believe that candidates recognize the disinterest and were there to make voters aware, answer questions and be accessible to the public; to the community. Would they have liked to have earned a vote or two in the process? Of course. I choose to believe that every candidate is giving this election their all.  They love Brookfield and I do too. This is our home. We shouldn't devise rules of where and when people can share their passion. Heck, I'll put up with a few weeks of mail, debate, gossip and PASSION because it beats apathy any day of the week in this voter's book. 




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