Today is Election Day, and a record number of voters are expected to participate locally and nationally. Hopefully, this includes YOU!
Christiansburg voters will be sought out by volunteers collecting signatures for a referendum to be placed on next November's ballot. This would put the question of whether Christiansburg's elections (Mayor and Town Council) should be moved from May in even-numbered years to November of odd-numbered years.
Christiansburg has a lot of history, and one historical fact is participation in local elections has been low, and falling lower year by year. Having citizens decide whether moving town elections will help change this negative trend could be determined in November 2009.
The choice of moving town elections to odd numbered years would keep the focus on local issues, ultimately save time and money, and mirrors a change which has already occurred in other communities throughout Virginia and our nation.
If you are a Christiansburg resident, eligible to vote, and voting today -- keep an eye out for these volunteers and take a moment to sign the petition. Signatures will continue to be collected, if necessary, until about 1,400 town voters have signed it and many months remain before the filing deadline arrives.
Come next November, you and other town residents should expect to see the question on the ballot and have the opportunity to make this choice yourself. This represents what America is all about -- government for the people, by the people.