Report From Ward 5

I just came back from voting here in Burlington. I wanted to go before my husband went to work, so I headed out a bit after 7:00 AM, with my 4-year-old son tagging along.

When I got there, there were not very many people, but there was a Channel 3 (WCAX) van.

It was a beautiful day to stand out and hold signs.

Bill Keogh (left) is running for re-election to the City Council and Amy Werbel (third from left) is running for re-election to the school board.

When I was leaving, I saw City Councilor Joan Shannon (D- Ward 5) and we joked about how it has never been that warm when we were standing out there.

Inside there were not very many people.

Here is ward 5’s always smiling Inspector of Elections, Doug Dunbebin.

Voting went off without a hitch. I heard someone call over Nancy Nesbitt, the ward clerk, to clear a jam, but it was all taken care of when I went up to put my ballot into the machine.

As I was leaving Burlington Electric around 7:35, the incoming traffic seemed to be picking up.

Be sure to get out and vote today! Polls in Burlington are open until 7:00PM.

Then, I encourage everyone to head over to Exit Voices and share their voting or town meeting experiences.

There are two questions posted for discussion there. Here are my answers.

1. What motivates you to go to your town meeting or polling station and vote?

We are so fortunate here in Vermont to actually have a real impact on our local government. Town Meeting Day is one of the few examples of direct democracy we see in existence. This is our annual opportunity to have our opinions on local issues count in a way that directly impacts the decision-making process.

2. If you could add a comment on your Ballot for your elected officials to read, what would you say?

I would explain why I voted against the school budget. A simple no vote really does not let the the school board know what people are saying no to. If they need to go back and present a new budget, the comments from the no voters would be helpful in creating a budget that will pass.

Happy Town Meeting Day! Go Vote!