Here’s hoping primary day will not be the best kept secret this year.
I am hoping that this year’s primary day will not be the best kept secret! This year primary day is being held the day after Labor Day, Sept. 4. As far as I am concerned it is not the best choice as people are returning from vacation and the kids going back to school.
The same issues held true for the primary dates in 2012 and 2016. However, at that time the powers that be decided the added costs which cities and towns would incur by having to staff polling places on a holiday, Labor Day, to prepare for Tuesday morning voting were unfair and dictated that holding the primary on a Thursday in those years was the better option.
I don’t understand why things are different this year as the costs will be the same. Personally I favor an April primary, which would not only alleviate all of these issues but would also give people more time to get to know the candidates and their platforms.
Therefore, I am asking everyone to do everything they can to come out and vote on Tuesday, Sept. 4, the day after Labor Day, because that is what democracy is all about!
John O’Brien
Register of Deeds
Essex Southern District
