In two weeks, residents will pull the red, white and blue
curtain closed and make their selection to pave the way for a new board
member they hope will make changes to the current regime – or support
an incumbent they feel has worked to make their towns and school system
better for them.

But that number of residents who make their mark is far too low. Nov. 6
marks a day for you to have an opportunity to have your voice heard. It
is a chance for you to help in the planning of your city or town’s
future.

Driving through town, signs touting candidates are littered on front
lawns and busy intersections – but education is key and there is
still time to make sure you know more about the person asking for your
vote than just the color of their advertisement.

These days it is far too easy to learn about the candidates – and it is
simply unacceptable for residents not to know what they stand for.
Candidate’s nights are the perfect opportunity to get up close and
personal with those wanting to serve you. Attend them and ask the
questions you want to know. If you are unable to attend in person,
check your local cable access program where they are scheduled to run
repeatedly up until Election Day.

Candidates also are happy to speak with you over the phone or through
email. Take the time to learn what they have to offer. The Sentry is
also hoping to help you make an educated choice and we will feature
overviews of the candidates and the ballot questions in its pages for
the next three weeks.

And, while Nov. 6 is the official day to cast your votes, with polls
open 12 hours for your convenience, you can also head to town hall at
any time during open hours and cast an absentee ballot.

There is no excuse for not having your voice heard.