In a recent Forum letter, an Upper Valley resident listed his reasons for choosing not to vote. Two of my relatives take a similar position: They say that the people representing us make decisions without taking us into account. I disagree with this view. In a democracy, voting in local, state, and national elections is a right and a responsibility of citizenship. People have given their lives for us to preserve this right. Not voting dishonors their sacrifice.
I urge all Upper Valley residents of voting age to contact their local supervisor of the checklist to make sure they are registered to vote and, if not, ask their town or city clerk how to register. Proof of address, citizenship ( through a passport or birth certificate), identity and domicile is sufficient. New Hampshire accepts the Qualified Voter Affidavit which allows an eligible voter without access to documentary proof of citizenship to register by signing a sworn affidavit under penalty of perjury.
Choosing to vote is part of maintaining our democracy.