By Melissa Johnston
Orange Democratic Town Committee
Melissa Johnston
It all comes down to this. As we wait for the results to roll in, we as Orange Democrats did our part this election season.
I’ve recently attended excellent candidate forums, exciting canvassing kick-offs and motivating campaign events. This is how democracy really works. Our candidates here in Orange were engaged, answered tough questions and explained their accomplishments and goals in their respective elected offices.
I’m so proud to support an excellent slate of local Democratic candidates this year. They exemplify public service – showing up, listening to residents at their doors and talking about their platforms.
Now it’s our turn to make our voices heard by doing our duty as citizens: vote. Don’t sit this one out – every election matters. The better the turnout, the more our elected leaders will reflect our values.
Early voting is already well underway. You might ask, is it important to vote early? I think so. Because once you’ve voted, then you can focus on making sure all your family, friends and neighbors, both here at home and across the country, have voted, too. Perhaps you can help your college student apply for an absentee ballot, arrange to drive someone to the polls or write a few postcards to voters in swing states.
You can vote early through Nov. 1, or head to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Either way, it’s important to have a plan to make sure your voice is heard.
You might be following some national races across the country. I would argue that our state and local representation has the greatest impact on our everyday lives. That’s one of many reasons why I’ve become so involved in our local Democratic town committee.
Our state legislators do more than introduce bills and vote on legislation. They also advocate for our communities and work to bring state funding and resources back to us. That funding can support local projects, infrastructure and community needs, helping our town make needed improvements.
We are so lucky to have representatives who are smart, hardworking and passionate about issues that matter. State Sen. James Maroney has worked to give Connecticut residents more control over their personal information, strengthen protections for children online and address both the dangers and opportunities of AI. State Rep. Mary Welander has championed issues that matter to children and families. State Rep. MJ Shannon has focused on education, affordability and protecting our environment. And Alex Armstrong, running for state representative in the 119th District, is focused on making life more affordable, preparing for the impacts of climate change and expanding access to cleaner, more affordable energy.
While some of these are different areas of focus, they all connect to questions that affect our lives here in Orange. They are also reminders that the work of government is not abstract. These decisions directly impact each of us. We’re in good hands with these candidates.
If you ever feel as though one person’s vote cannot make much of a difference, remember that right here locally it does.
The Orange Democrats will keep showing up even after Nov. 3. One election ends and another important one begins. We will stay present in our community, advocating, communicating and connecting with everyone to keep our town as strong as possible.
Let’s all be in it to win it for Orange.
Melissa Johnston is the chair of the Orange Democratic Town Committee.