Tomorrow, Nov. 3 is Election Day, and Wilton residents will have the opportunity to cast their votes in municipal races for town officials, boards and commissions.
Wilton’s May 2015 Town Meeting vote saw less than 15-percent of eligible voters cast ballots. The Sept. 2014 referendum vote for the Miller-Driscoll renovation project saw a difference of just 27 votes decide the outcome. In May 2013, only 6.9-percent of eligible voters came to the polls.
This year, it’s crucial to reverse this trend. Wilton faces many pressing issues. In the last year every single seat on the Board of Selectmen has changed occupants, except for one. We’ve had the same first selectman for the last 10 years. Our taxes are high both in comparison to our neighboring towns as well as in the context of amenities and services people feel they get for what they pay. We hear over and over that Wilton’s taxes are higher, everybody else’s schools are just as good if not better now, and what else is there here?
What’s more, our community is, by some accounts, a fractured one, with groups pitted against one another: People with children in the schools vs. seniors; people who want to see more urbanized development vs. people who think any kind of amenity and growth of the business base is a deterioration of Wilton and its history; people who complain that they don’t have an open ear at town hall, that town leaders don’t communicate well, either to the community or listening to what residents want.
There’s lots of complaining about Wilton, particularly on social media, so much so that realtors are worried that it’s impacting their business, that prospective buyers are getting turned off by what they hear about Wilton, from Wiltonians.
This year, our town is fortunate to have the opportunity to make a choice between candidates in two of the most important races for municipal positions: first selectman and Board of Selectmen. While the other races see no opposition, it’s still important to respect not only the spirit of volunteerism of those who have stepped forward to serve the town and its residents but the right of representation, as defended by so many who gave their lives and service to allow us that right.
Perhaps we can appeal to the spirit of Wilton Warrior pride, as well, with our “Don’t Just Vote, Wote!” campaign. The ability to “Wote” is certainly something no other local town has.
Where and When to Vote
The Nov. 3 municipal election will include voting for local officials, boards, and commissions. Wilton’s three polling places will be open for voting from 6 a.m. to 8 pm.. To find out your polling place, click here to enter your address on the town website. The three polling places are:
- District 1⎯Wilton High School Clune Center (395 Danbury Rd.)
- District 2⎯Cider Mill School (131 School Rd.)
- District 3⎯Middlebrook Gymnasium (240 School Rd.)
You may now register to vote on Election Day in Connecticut with proof of identity and proof of residence–(for general elections only, like tomorrow’s, but not for primaries). Election day registration can take place only at Town Hall (238 Danbury Rd.).
How to Vote
Technically, GOOD Morning Wilton isn’t telling you how to vote, as we don’t endorse candidates. However, it’s always a good preview for voters to see the ballot in advance. One of the most important things to note is that the ballot voters will see tomorrow is double-sided. Make your vote count on all the races, and be sure to turn over the ballot and fill out both sides.
BALLOT FRONT
BALLOT BACK
