Why Vote in the RA Board of Directors Elections?

I’m sure that most of Reston is aware that it is election season. You should have received your ballot for the RA Board of Directors the first week of March. By now you’ve also received a card in the mail letting you know of the  where you will have the opportunity to watch and hear the candidates respond to different questions.

Here’s a sad statistic. In the 2011 election, fewer than 4,000 Reston households chose to vote, that’s out of a total eligible base of 25,000 or about 15 percent. It’s surprising to me that Reston would have such poor numbers given how involved and active we are in this community.

So what gives, why the lack of interest? 

Did you know that the Reston Association budget for 2012 – 2013 is $14,800,000? That’s a lot of money. Even if you’re not a particularly involved citizen  - and I appreciate that there are times in life when it’s hard to be involved - I would have thought the fiscal responsibility of the RA Board would be of more interest to Reston’s citizens. 

The problem with not voting is that many voters who “turn out" tend to group around various narrow interests and issues. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing but I think it's much healthier for our community when elected representatives know that they were elected by a broad base with many interests and issues rather than  primarily small groups with singular interests.

Everyone household in Reston is eligible to vote, you are not required to own your property. You can vote online, everything you need is on the ballot materials that were mailed to your house. If you can’t find your information contact the Reston Association at 703-435-6530. 

and vote, be counted.

Eve Thompson is a candidate for the RA Board.