To the editor:

We have recently moved to Pelham from the Seattle, Washington, area. We believe that the electoral system there is highly democratic and maximizes getting out the vote.

We are hugely supportive of moving the Pelham Manor’s village election from March to November. There are many practical reasons; however, the main reason is that it is simply more democratic by creating better representation of our local citizens. It is a known fact that primary elections have lower voter turnout. This allows certain populations to game the system to forward their agenda versus the will of the body politic. By moving this vote to November, we will improve democracy in the Manor.

In addition, there are many other important reasons, including reduced expenditures and better systems for running the election as it will be run by the county board of elections. Finally, in the spirit of democracy (or lack thereof), the village manager (who runs the election), actually reports to the trustees, which questions the checks and balances in the system.

Moving the election to November will benefit all citizens of the Manor by improving the democracy in a more fair manner throughout the community. We should all strive to live in this type of democracy, especially as democracy is under threat throughout the world.

Mike and Karen Lucero

1374 Manor Circle