Letters

Since COVID began, I wear a black mask with “VOTE” imprinted in large white letters. After the presidential election, my husband turned his inside out, thinking it wasn’t relevant any longer.

I didn’t. I was keeping an eye on the restrictive voting laws that were passed in the South.

Then came the mayoral election in Southampton Village and the huge turnout that I hoped would inspire other elections that follow.

Then last week, The Southampton Press published a small article that explained the number of people registered in the various villages and towns in this area, and how many actually voted [“Incumbents Re-elected,” June 24]. The numbers were stunning, as so few people who are actually registered out here voted. Some races were won by the smallest of margins.

So, suddenly, my mask is relevant again. I am encouraging people to register and then to vote. Register legally where you can, but then, for goodness’ sake, make sure you vote!

We have learned over the last five years that elections count, leadership counts, and our right to vote is nothing that can any longer be taken for granted. Most of us have assumed that to be true. It is not.

So for those of you who are not yet registered legally, please email the Suffolk County Board of Elections, or call them at 631-852-4500. For those of you who are unable to vote in person in elections, apply for an absentee ballot early. Or vote early.

But do not get sloppy about not knowing the rules. This stuff matters. Our elected officials matter.

For instance, is Lee Zeldin running for reelection to Congress in 2022 or for governor? Everyone who is in his district needs to vote and decide whether or not we want to reelect him in any leadership position, given his behavior and choices around the January 6 insurrection. This stuff matters. Get involved — don’t be complacent. It’s just too dangerous nowadays.

Paula Angelone, Ph.D.

Southampton Village