152 Reasons to Run for Office
“Everything is impossible until it is done.” Nelson Mandela
Ideally,
representative government reflects the composition and interests of its
constituents. Allegany County is not even close to achieving fair and balanced
representation.
The NYS Board of
Elections reports that, as of Nov. 2024, we have approximately 28,000
registered voters. 50.1% are Republican and 19.8% Democrat, with the remainder
in minor parties or unaffiliated. The
gender split reflects that of the nation: ~51% identify as female, ~48% as
male.
Now let’s look at
our current officials: Are half our county legislators women? Is there a balanced gender split on your municipal
or school board? Are minor parties or
unaffiliated voters represented at all?
For local government
to be truly representative, we need more non-male, non-Republicans in office. That’s where you come in, whether you’re
Democrat or unaffiliated with any party.
There are 152
seats up for grabs in November in every town (and two villages), from Highway
Superintendent to Tax Collector, Justice, Clerk, Supervisor, Council Member,
Trustee, and Assessor. None require prior experience (although related
experience may be beneficial.)
To be elected,
though, you must do one thing: you must decide to run... to commit to serve
your community at a new level and to win a seat at the table where
important decisions are made.
The time to decide
is now. To gain the Democratic line in November, petitions supporting your
candidacy must filed by April 3rd.
If you have questions, call the county board of elections. Call a local
office holder. Call your pastor. Call your best friend. Heck… call
Ghostbusters!
Our party AND our
county need you. We need you to step out of your comfort zone and into the
candidate zone. Register for our
“Calling All Democrats” event on Sat. Feb. 22. We’ll provide the support you need.
This November
there are 152 open seats. Picture yourself in one of them, then call me.
Karen Ash
Chair, Allegany County Democratic Committee
Member, 148th Assembly District, New York State Democratic
Committee
Board Member, Democratic Rural Conference of New York State
Co-Founding Member, League of Women Voters of Cattaraugus &
Allegany Counties
Grandmother, gardener, book lover, volunteer
info@acdcny.org
585-610-4321
