They had the write stuff
Write-in votes usually are wasted votes. That's why I was so interested in what happened last week in the Amherst School Board race.
As I wrote in my column today, two people whose names were not on the ballot won seats. It's hard enough to win an election, but to do it by getting people to forgo the ballot levers in favor of writing down a name on a piece of paper hidden behind a little door is truly impressive.
It struck me as truly democratic, a way to get around the normal political process that sometimes stops candidates in their tracks.
--- Bruce Andriatch


Write in votes are becoming a National Symbol of distaste for the status quo.
I only hope it continues.
Posted by: my2cents | June 05, 2009 at 08:43 AM
On June 3rd voters in two burbs, W.Sen and Evans, will decide whether to downsize their town boards.
This vote will pit the established political power structures - all the political parties and all the town and village boards - against independent voters who signed petitions in favor of downsizing.
These petitions/referendums are an end run around the established power structures.
These petitions will soon circulate in every town and village in Erie County. Referendums will be held in every municipality.
So, why no "Burbs" blog topic?
Posted by: BobbyCat | May 29, 2009 at 09:30 AM