On Aug. 14, I was proud to cast my ballot in our state’s mid-term primary election. We all must do our part to ensure a bright future for our community, and voting is one of the most basic and fundamental ways for us to exercise our great freedom and fulfill our civic responsibility.
Vermont has been improving voting access over recent years, making it both easier and more secure to register and vote, but it’s still work. The best way for us to ensure we are fulfilling our duty and making our voices heard is to make a plan to vote.
To have the most influence on the well being of our communities, we have to get involved at every level. This became strikingly clear to me in 2016, when I had the incredible opportunity to represent Vermont as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention. That experience proved to me that all politics is local and our community is strongest when it has representation that shares its priorities.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. It will be here before we know it. I urge my fellow Vermonters to read about the candidates on your ballot. We are lucky in Vermont to have a true citizen legislature. Our lawmakers and candidates are our neighbors. Talk to those who are running for office. Make sure you know where they stand on the issues that matter to you.
I care about responsible tax structures to hold large out-of-state corporations to the same standards as our small businesses. I believe every business should be required to pay their fair share and the rules should enforce that. I believe we should be making investments in local infrastructure and supporting our family farmers as they work to adopt more sustainable practices and protect one of our most precious resources: water.
My vote will reflect these priorities on Nov. 6, and so will my work in Montpelier if I earn your support. Thank you for doing your part to ensure a bright future for our state.
Matt Birong
3 Squares Cafe
Vergennes