My comments to VT Digger on elections integrity

2022-10-03

Dear friend,

There are two articles out today covering the Windham-6 state rep race:

• VT Digger: Vermont Democratic Party targets GOP over House candidate's Jan. 6 involvement​

• Brattleboro Reformer: 'Insurrectionist sympathizers': Vermont Dems strike out at local GOP candidates​

I was asked for comment and am quoted in the first article. However, reporter Sarah Mearhoff changed the context of my comments. My campaign is focused on our three towns in Vermont and does not seek to pit Vermont Democrats vs. Republicans.

Here is my complete statement to VT Digger:

As a member of the Selectboard in Halifax I have assisted our Town Clerk and our Board of Civil Authority, in the polling and ballot-counting process. Our Town Clerk, and those in Whitingham and Wilmington, have a difficult job with many demands and few thanks. Despite this, I have only observed the utmost integrity in their service and in that of the citizens who work the polls and volunteer at the end of the day to count ballots.

There are no doubt improvements that can be made to our elections system, but the biggest is our participation as citizens. Not a day goes by when I talk to a resident of one of our small towns who chooses not to vote. Their reasons are many, but some feel the system is broken in one way or another.

I cannot comment on my opponent’s whereabouts or motives on Jan. 6, 2020. However, in comments during our recent public forum, my opponent cast doubt on whether Vermont’s election system has integrity, without naming specifics. This only sows distrust and encourages citizens to stay home. It reduces the voice of our small towns in the democratic process. That’s unfortunate, and avoidable.

My opponent also stated his opposition to early voting. I am in favor of the opportunity to vote early. Many working families are juggling responsibilities and can’t make it in person on Election Day. They also use the opportunity to vote by mail to discuss their ballots over the kitchen table and read up on their options.