Many voters tend to only vote in specific elections such as president, governor or mayor and fail to vote in every election which in many ways is an abdication of one’s civic duty.
Sometimes people just forget or don’t see a reason to cast a ballot. Some voters don’t know the issues or how they impact their family and community.
Every election matters and every vote counts!
The upcoming municipal election will decide half of the Borough Council since three seats up for grabs!
Of the six candidates, only two are incumbents and only one council member, Mark Yampaglia was elected by voters. The other incumbent, Kirk Del Russo was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Dan Pronti, who assumed the office of Mayor on January 1, 2019.
Should Democrats prevail they would add another seat and then North Arlington would have a healthy mix of three Republicans and three Democrats with Republican Mayor Pronti casting any tie-breaking votes.
However if Republicans would sweep all three seats, the North Arlington Mayor and Council come January 1, 2020 would be comprised of only Republicans, creating a political monopoly and effectively ending responsible, two-party government!
Keeping “checks and balances” is important to our local democracy and economy with no political party dominating our local government.
So no matter who you decide to support, we ask that you make the commitment to cast a ballot by mail or get to the polls on Election Day. For more information on how to vote by mail (VBM), please call the Borough Clerk’s Office at (201) 991-6060.
Here are ten additional reasons why voting matters:
- Low voter turnouts indicate a lack of interest in our government which leads to ambivalence and apathy.
- Increased voter turnout breeds a high voter IQ and the issues that are of importance to North Arlington are then debated and discussed.
- High voter turnouts keep local government transparent, accountable and responsible. The more informed the voter, the greater chance of a well functioning Mayor and Council will exist!
- A highly educated and informed voter is less distracted by political signage and advertising and more interested in the accomplishments of incumbents and the records and resumes of candidates for office.
- Increased voter interest breeds a true discussion of the issues that matter to homeowners and taxpayers versus political rhetoric and typical campaign promises.
- A robust discussion of real issues such as Property Taxes, Redevelopment and other Quality of Life concerns come front and center when voters take the time to investigate the record of the candidates and do their positions reflect your point-of-view?
- Don’t be swayed by simple slogans and empty endorsements that reflect a partisan point of view rather than what’s best for North Arlington?
- Don’t allow either political party or individual to monopolize your Mayor and Council. Partisan politics and one-party rule should be avoided at all costs.
- Don’t treat elections like a sporting event or your favorite team. Elections are serious business and make sure you cast your votes for candidates that possess the resume, commitment, wisdom, experience and the ideas that will move North Arlington forward.
- Elections have consequences. Uninformed choices or voting for someone you don’t really know can come back to haunt North Arlington! Does the candidate have the educational background or track record of solving problems and working in harmony with others? Are they more concerned about politics versus public policy that will prevent North Arlington from remaining small, safe and suburban?
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