Defend Democracy 2001
 
To the Editor:
 
On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, America and all that we stand for was attacked. Today, we are at war with those who would destroy our nation because of the freedoms and rights that we have enjoyed for so long that we take them for granted.
 
One right that many Americans take for granted is the right to vote.  On September 11th, as America was being attacked, Amesbury was conducting a primary election to select our next mayor.  On that day, 2,488 of our 9,083 registered voters – or 27.4% – made it to the polls.  All things considered, that was not a bad turnout for a preliminary election; in 1999, there was a 31.7% turnout for the Town primary.   So although the “Attack on America” derailed the New York primaries, it had very little affect on Amesbury’s election.
 
On Tuesday, November 6, 2001, Amesbury residents will once again go to the polls to elect our next Town government.  We expect to see a turnout of 4,000 or so, or about 44% of registered voters. That’s it – only 44% of registered voters are likely to turnout to vote.
 
Most of other 56% either will be “just too busy”, don’t care enough to make the effort, or will just plain forget to vote.
 
Doing the math, that means candidates can be elected, even if less than 25% of the voters support them.
 
This election is as important as voting for President, or for Governor.  While we may not be electing someone to represent us in Washington or Boston, we are electing people who will make decisions affecting our everyday life.
 
Some may believe that their vote “doesn't matter”.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Just two years ago, District Six Councilor Roger Deschenes was elected by a single vote. If just one more person had voted the other way that day, the outcome could have been entirely different.  So yes, every single vote counts – and matters.
 
Right now, as you are reading this, there are American servicemen and -women risking their lives to defend our way of life. There are public safety personnel at all levels of government putting themselves on the line to protect us and our way of life. We could build monuments to recognize their bravery, and hold services to remember them, and march in parades to honor them.  But in the end, the best way to say “Thank You” is by exercising those rights they are giving so much to defend.
 
So on November 6th, take a few minutes and celebrate freedom.  Go to Town Hall and vote.
 
On November 6th, join in this tried-and-true process of democracy that people around the world are willing to die for.  Elect a government.  Go to Town Hall and vote.
 
Remind your friends.  Take an elderly neighbor with you.  Ask everyone you meet to go to Town Hall and vote.
 
Show the world that America is stronger and more unified than ever.  Show the world that, in the United States, the people still rule – and no one will ever take that away from us, either by force or through fear.
 
Help defend democracy on November 6th.  Take a few minutes.  Go to Town Hall and vote.