The local grassroots group BRIDGES of Lincoln has petitioned the selectboard of Lincoln to include a Pro-Democracy Resolution at the Town Meeting March 4. According to spokesperson, Van Talmage, the Resolution is a “vanilla, non-partisan, non-controversial” statement in support of democracy as the best form of self-government. It is a call for voting integrity and voting rights.
BRIDGES sees this as a call to stand up for democracy, to acknowledge in public and out loud that we support the democratic system and principles upon which this country was founded. And further, the most fundamental aspect of a functioning democracy is the right to vote.
When asked why this is necessary, Talmage explained that there are political forces acting to the detriment of democracy. He identified the authoritarian impulses of the president, the steps taken to limit voter participation, and gerrymandering.
This is a non-partisan call for all who believe that “Democracy is a treasure to be nurtured and preserved.” This does not speak to priorities within a democracy, just that voting is the best way to select our leaders.
Van Talmage
Lincoln
on behalf of BRIDGES of Lincoln