Last week, the Press reported that nearly 90 percent of registered voters in town cast a ballot in the general election. That’s something to be proud of. It shows this is a town whose residents take their democratic responsibility seriously. It’s unclear how Harvard stacked up against other towns in the state and the nation—the numbers aren’t yet available—but it’s likely among the leaders. Still, it’s not a contest. If 90 percent of every other town in Massachusetts and the country showed up to vote on Election Day (or cast absentee ballots before), that would truly be something to celebrate.
Driven by breathless nonstop coverage, especially online, this election season was a grueling one for voters and, presumably, for candidates. While the desire to take a break is certainly understandable, don’t back off for too long. Campaigns are intense and entertaining, but the important work starts now, as political leaders attempt, or don’t, to carry through on the promises they made to get elected. Politicians who were, as late as last Tuesday night, bitter opponents, now have to find ways to work together.
As our political cartoonist notes this week, some Texans, for example, would rather secede from the country than try to fix it. That’s giving up. Even if your candidate lost, stay engaged and pay attention. The great thing about democracy is it gives citizens the tools to create real, lasting change. All it asks is that they participate and make informed choices.
