Reflections on Being an Informed Voter

I had an interesting discussion with my middle schooler last week that I keep thinking back to. 

She had just seen me assembling yard signs to drop off (thank you to those who are hosting them!) and when she noticed they all listed lindseyfordover.com on them she asked "Do you really have your own whole website?"

I answered "yes" and she immediately responded "why?" in a tone only a middle schooler can seem to pull off.

I explained to her that people who didn't already know me - or knew of me but wanted to learn more - could go to the website to read more and contact me.

"But what if someone was going to vote for you when they saw your sign, but read your website and decided not to?"

It was such a good question and lead to a great discussion with her about why candidates need to share who they are so voters can make informed choices.  We talked about how important it is to vote for someone you feel can best represent your perspectives.  We talked about how you want to vote for people who will take the time to listen and learn. We talked about the fact that we don't have to all agree all the time, but you want someone who you trust shares your overall values.

And so while I hope the signs are a reminder to vote, I also hope everyone takes the time to read up on the candidates and vote for those who share a vision for a thriving and inclusive Dover moving into the future. We certainly have work to do but I disagree with those who feel Dover is headed in the wrong direction. 

Most of the City Council seats are contested races, so don't wait until election day to learn more about the candidates. Let your friends and neighbors know how important municipal elections are too - with low turnout, they can be decided on just a few votes with significant implications for where our community goes in the next two, five, or ten years.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and make your plan for Nov. 7th.