This is a nonpolitical note about the importance of voting.
I’ve never felt the power and responsibility that comes with the right to vote more strongly than in the last few days. Because of an intense workflow this month, including an overseas trip last week with students to make a documentary film, I forgot to obtain and file an absentee ballot ahead of time for our local elections. I got off the plane Saturday and felt like a beam had fallen on my head when I learned the results.
Yes, I live in Nelsonville, where the trustee vote was a thrice-counted 90-90 tie, including one absentee vote on each side, neither of which was mine.
I discussed this with my son as a teachable moment; he’ll have the right to vote starting next year. But that’s the only good that’s come of my lapse. Every vote indeed matters.
I deeply apologize to my preferred candidate and my new community (we moved into town from Garrison last year).
The polls will be open on Tuesday, March 31, at Nelsonville Village Hall from noon to 9 p.m. If you need an absentee ballot, you can apply there from 9 to 3 each day and your vote will count as long as it’s received by election day.
I’ll be voting in person this time.
Andrew C. Revkin
Village of Nelsonville
