By Courtney Parker and Molly DeMellier
The Board of Civil Authorities met April 8 to discuss moving the town’s polling place from The Fine Art’s Center at Castleton State College to The American Legion on Route 4A West.
The controversy over the current location is centered around the lack of parking spaces available and the inconvenience it presents for the elderly and handicapped voters.
However, recent Front Porch Forum posts and other rustlings around town equate the proposed move to an attempt to discourage college voters.
“We have never had any complaints about people having trouble getting to the polls,” said Town Clerk Katy Thornblade. “People did approach me and say they were concerned about students voting on town issues.”
In retrospect, Thornblade added that she could see where the argument for lack of quality parking could be made and she does not wish to deny the elderly and handicap their right to vote.
“I can’t disagree that the handicap spots are far away,” she said.
Though the board did not come to final decision yet, Thornblade and fellow member John Hale are in agreement that local parties are seeking to make a move as quickly as possible.
“There is a big push to make the change happen right away before the next vote,” Hale said.
The next town vote is expected to be a proposed plan for a new fire station presented by the Select Board in the near future.
“I’m not feeling resistant to moving before the next vote, but I just want to do it in the correct way,” Thornblade said.
While the relocation of the town’s polling location may be more convenient for some, Castleton State College students who vote in town elections are skeptical of the decision.
Junior James McCormick has voted in several Castleton town elections and feels the decision to relocate is misguided.
“As a student, I feel tension between myself and non-student members of Castleton,” he said of the relationship between the town and CSC students.
Originally from Essex Junction, McCormick views becoming a part of the town he lives in as a top priority and sees voting as the easiest opportunity to get involved.
While moving the voting location off campus would discourage him personally from voting, he believes students should stand up for their right to participate in town matters.
“I think it’s important for students to participate in town elections,” he said. “We pay tuition to attend college in this town and we pay to reside in this town either on or off campus for the school year and potentially the summer.”
Though another town meeting on the subject has not yet been set, the board hopes to address the issue in the near future.
The Board of Civil Authorities met April 8 to discuss moving the town’s polling place from The Fine Art’s Center at Castleton State College to The American Legion on Route 4A West.
The controversy over the current location is centered around the lack of parking spaces available and the inconvenience it presents for the elderly and handicapped voters.
However, recent Front Porch Forum posts and other rustlings around town equate the proposed move to an attempt to discourage college voters.
“We have never had any complaints about people having trouble getting to the polls,” said Town Clerk Katy Thornblade. “People did approach me and say they were concerned about students voting on town issues.”
In retrospect, Thornblade added that she could see where the argument for lack of quality parking could be made and she does not wish to deny the elderly and handicap their right to vote.
“I can’t disagree that the handicap spots are far away,” she said.
Though the board did not come to final decision yet, Thornblade and fellow member John Hale are in agreement that local parties are seeking to make a move as quickly as possible.
“There is a big push to make the change happen right away before the next vote,” Hale said.
The next town vote is expected to be a proposed plan for a new fire station presented by the Select Board in the near future.
“I’m not feeling resistant to moving before the next vote, but I just want to do it in the correct way,” Thornblade said.
While the relocation of the town’s polling location may be more convenient for some, Castleton State College students who vote in town elections are skeptical of the decision.
Junior James McCormick has voted in several Castleton town elections and feels the decision to relocate is misguided.
“As a student, I feel tension between myself and non-student members of Castleton,” he said of the relationship between the town and CSC students.
Originally from Essex Junction, McCormick views becoming a part of the town he lives in as a top priority and sees voting as the easiest opportunity to get involved.
While moving the voting location off campus would discourage him personally from voting, he believes students should stand up for their right to participate in town matters.
“I think it’s important for students to participate in town elections,” he said. “We pay tuition to attend college in this town and we pay to reside in this town either on or off campus for the school year and potentially the summer.”
Though another town meeting on the subject has not yet been set, the board hopes to address the issue in the near future.
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