CARRYING ON THE TRADITION

 

83 newly registered voters in one day.  Quite a feat for a small town!  On May 7 the Canton League continued its tradition of co-sponsoring a voter registration drive for Canton High School seniors.  Even with “senioritis,” the soon-to-be graduates listened intently as co-sponsor Michael Broverman, CHS’s Social Studies head, emphasized the importance of voting in a democracy.  He illustrated voter activism with a video and handouts called First Vote, published by the Secretary of the State’s office.

 

Local representatives from the Republican and Democratic parties, Lou Daniels and Mark Quattro respectively, spoke about the importance of giving back to the community and registering for a particular party, for each -- the party he belonged to.  Ann Bryan, LWV’s Voters Service co-chair, spoke briefly about League objectives in hosting this event and then about the option of being an unaffiliated voter.  Canton Town Clerk Shirley Krompegal took over then and worked with the town’s two Registrars, Jim Keane and George Howland, to register the new voters.  It was a particularly proud moment for Shirley when she registered her granddaughter Melanie and spoke of her planned retirement. 

 

Here is the final count for the Class of 2003’s newly registered voters:

18 Democratic party members           1 Green party member

17 Republican party members           47 unaffiliated voters

 

The League’s strong tradition of voter advocacy is an important part of our group’s mission.  It’s refreshing to help launch young voters on their path toward civic involvement.       

                                                                       

 Barb Checksfield