To The Editor:

As the election season winds to a close, and we reach the final issue of the Newtown Bee before Election Day, I feel it is important to write one last letter imploring people to get out and vote. This is not a “Get Out and Vote For Me” letter (although I do hope people will seriously consider that) but simply a plea for everyone to get out and participate in our democratic process. As of the writing of this letter, early voting has been going on for just over a week and 1,519 people have voted already. That is great to see so early, but it is a long way from the full number of registered voters in Newtown. Municipal elections are important, and they are also the ones where our individual votes count the most, so it is important for everyone to let their voice be heard.

During the past couple of weeks, I have spoken to multiple people who stated that their votes don’t matter. But that simply isn’t true in a municipal election, the margin between winning or losing is razor thin. For instance, out of 7,583 votes cast in 2023’s First Selectman race, I lost by only 123 votes. In one of the Legislative Council races that same year, after a mandatory recount there was actually a tie between two of the candidates which resulted in one having to graciously step aside for the other. These are just the two most recent examples, but far from the only ones as we have seen many occasions of races coming down to a dozen votes (give or take) in the past. Clearly every vote makes a difference.

So, I am asking every resident in town to take the time to be an informed voter and take part in this year’s election. The candidates have taken a lot of time to get the word out about themselves. The Newtown Bee has printed profiles, the Patch has posted the responses to their survey online, multiple organizations in town have gathered information from candidates to present to their members, there was a debate for the Board of Selectmen candidates (which is posted online) and many of us have written letters over the last couple of months which have appeared right here. So please take the time to read about us and cast your ballot for the candidates that you feel will best represent your vision of what Newtown should be. Your voice matters, and this is your chance to be heard.

Dan Cruson

Newtown