Off The Beat: Voted For Your Neighbor Lately?
It’s sad the Neighborhood Commission is heartened by a “spike” in voter turnout — especially when it’s only 6.6 percent of voters. The numbers in 2009 weren’t much different: 6.3 percent of voters cast ballots.
There are 465 candidates running for 439 Neighborhood Board seats this year. But what good is an election when so few people vote?
The boards help magnify the average citizen’s voice. It’s an important way for lawmakers to connect with their constituents, too. While a City Council member represents a large district, it’s the neighborhood board that often helps council members set his or her priorities.
You’d think more people would care about who’s assessing what’s important in their neighborhoods. It doesn’t seem like it’s for lack of trying on the part of the Commission: People can vote in person, by phone and online. Voting is .
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