Americans will enjoy the opportunity to participate in one of our nation’s most treasured privileges next week when they go to the polls on Election Day Nov. 5.
At stake will be seats in the U.S. Senate and Congress, county freeholder and clerk, and on the governing bodies of our local municipalities.
The sad fact is that nearly two-thirds of the New Jersey residents who are eligible to vote will not participate in next week’s election. That is unfortunate, for by sitting on the sidelines they are forfeiting their chance to exercise a privilege that thousands have died trying to protect.
As we cherish the privilege and right to vote, so, too, do we respect the many voices that seek to represent us at all levels of government. Though we don’t agree with the positions espoused by every candidate, they have the right to make their views known.
And on Election Day, residents in most towns, especially on the local level, have the ability to ensure that different voices will be heard.
Covering the news on a weekly basis makes it abundantly clear that every issue has at least two sides. It would stand to reason that many of the issues that come before a governing body also have more than one side to them.
It remains our opinion that control of a local governing body, as well as control of municipal jobs and appointments by members of one political party, does not serve the public interest as well as it could be served by having at least one member of another political party to voice a minority opinion on issues that come before the governing body or to publicly question some of the actions of the majority.
Opposition on a governing body can be a healthy thing if used properly. We endorse no candidates for public office but suggest that residents keep in mind that their interests might be best served with a governing body that reflects political diversity in a productive manner.