This week’s dramatic election in New Hampshire brought back memories of the good old days in politics, when there truly was competition among candidates for office and the electorate stood up, took notice, and went out to the polls in great numbers.
We followed the vote count and election-night analysis on cable channel MSNBC- putatively “expert” commentary by an array of talking heads – and the news people trotted out that wonderful old expression, “too close to call.”
That there was so much interest in this week’s election skirmish to our north may be a testament to a growing concern among the body politic about the future course of our country. The 2008 presidential election is unique in that there are no candidates from either major party who can boast of an incumbency advantage.
Republicans and Democrats are waging intense competitions among a variety of philosophies. These elections may prove that – when offered alternatives- Americans will step up and take an interest in the political process.
The selection of candidates may well conclude as early as next month, on Feb. 5, when “Super Tuesday” primary elections are held in 24 states, including our own. Those votes, together with party caucuses and primary elections in seven other states this month, should prove decisive. Yes, the parties’ nominating conventions will be held in late summer, but it’s likely the two nominees will have things locked down just 26 days from today, when those “Super Tuesday” votes have been tallied.
Massachusetts voters will have their opportunity to cast ballots in this process on the 5th of next month – but only if they are registered to vote. This week, Secretary of State Bill Galvin sent out a notice that for a citizen to be eligible to vote next month, he or she must register by next Wednesday, Jan. 16. Prospective voters must be U.S. citizens, residents of Massachusetts, and 18 years old on or before Feb 5.Galvin’s office offers detailed instructions on the registration process at sec.state.ma.us. Here are some of the details:”By Mail: Mail-in registration forms are widely available. To obtain a mail-in registration form, call 617-727-2828 or 1-800-462-VOTE and a form will be sent. Completed forms should be mailed to the local city or town hall. You should receive a confirmation notice in 2 to 3 weeks. If you do not, contact your local election office to verify your voting status.In Person: Go to any registration location and complete an affidavit of registration, which must be answered truthfully under the penalty of perjury. The questions on the affidavit will concern your name, residence and date of birth.At the Registry of Motor Vehicles: Keep your motor voter receipt until you receive confirmation from your local election official. If you do not receive any confirmation, contact your local election office to verify your voting status.”
