Something just happened in our small town of less than one thousand residents that suggests it was no accident, but a tactic. And, I believe the more people know about it the more likely those who oppose such tactics may be able to combat them

We had an election for a member of the select board and for our board of education. The newspaper let everyone know who was running and that they were unopposed. It was a very good slate, but two individuals running for the school board were defeated by two write-ins that most people had no idea were running at all.

What I believe happened was that a false sense of security, especially after seeing the newspaper article stating that the candidates were unopposed,  made many voters feel the outcome was assured – and they probably thought this was an election they could skip. Those backing the write-ins got out the vote quietly and we will all live with the result.

I also believe that the write-ins were pretty sure they would lose if they announced their candidacy when the others did. In any case, “forewarned is forearmed.” We can take nothing for granted.

I suggest that we encourage everyone always to vote, even when none of the candidates are being challenged – because we don’t really know if that’s the case.

Sneak attacks cannot win if we are prepared.

Lucy Wilde Windberry