May 24, 2023 by Darren Pasek (‘25)
On May 16th over 5400 people came out to vote on who they wished to represent the community on the School Board of Education (BOE). There were two blocks of candidates, though voters could select any three individuals on the ballot. One block was composed of Joe Sabanos and Sharon Dominguez, and the duo received about 2000 votes a piece. These votes were insufficient in defeating the other block of candidates, Tony Krackeler, Anjeanette Emeka, and Beth Fogarty Braxton, who garnered approximately 3500 votes each.
This voting day saw over 800 fewer voters than in 2022. The decrease in community involvement is alarming. First time voter Chris Prager noted how little work must be applied by each voter and that “New York State holds your hand through the whole thing…you really only have to lend your signature.” Prager was surprised by this, as he had expected a more difficult process. He speculated that perhaps if voting days were a day in which local employers were legally obligated to give their staff time off from the workday, more people would vote. The demographic voting information is not widely available as of now, but external data shows that young people are less likely to vote than their older counterparts. Prager, as a proud voter, insists that the lack of young voters leads to “a misrepresentation of the American people and is one of the most pressing threats to our democracy.”
His claim is mirrored by researchers that find the lack of participation to be a testament to the dimming light of American nationalism. Prager thinks that pride in our country isn’t necessarily necessary, but that young people should certainly have their voices heard. “Pride in our country is, at times, a tall order, but without pride one still has beliefs of which they should voice,” Prager said. When completing the Department of Motor Vehicle form for a NYS driving permit, young people can simply check a box to pre-register to vote so they are all set when they turn 18.
In The Lightning Rod’s election preview, a description along with some interview questions outlined each candidate. Please refer to that guide for information regarding the candidates or reach out to the candidates themselves. This most recently elected group has their terms end in 2025, however seats will be voted on next year as well.