What is a Ward System?
In a Ward System the area being governed (our town) is broken up into four (4) or six (6) wards – each having approximately the same population. Each District will then elect a single representative to the town board who will participate in governing our town. Only those people who live in that ward can vote for that wards council member and only someone living in that ward can run to represent that ward.
What is an At Large system?
Under “At-large” voting, all voters cast their ballots for all candidates in the jurisdiction. Currently in our town elections all voters cast their ballots for two council members and the town supervisor every two years.
Ward System versus At Large System
- Representation
- In a Ward System the town is divided into four (4) or six (6) areas that will vote to elect a council member who will represent theirrespective Wards. This allows for all areas within the town to have their own representative on the board and ensure that all parts of our town are equally represented on the town board.
- Today, the board is elected on an “At Large” bases where everyone votes for everyone. This provides opportunities for special interest groups to control the board and the town, and this system frequently favors the larger population areas within the town.
- Impact on Cost of Running for office
- In a Ward System the candidates will come from within the Ward and each ward will contain approximately 3,000 people with approximately 1,200 voters. This smaller constituency will reduce the cost of campaigning and could increase the number of candidates who are running to represent our town.
- In an At Large System the candidates must come for the town and need to campaign across the entire town. Since there are approximately 7,400 housing units in Blooming Grove and approximately 11,331 voters this can be a daunting task and will cost the candidates more than it would if they were seeking to be elected under a Ward System.
The Citizen’ Committee will be holding two informational meetings one on October 20, 2016 and the second on November 2, 2016. These meetings are to provide information on the Ward System and to answer your questions and concerns. However, if you are concerned about protecting our community you MUST get out and VOTE!
If you have any questions or concerns go to the website below and send us the question via the Contact Us button. We will respond if you provide your contact information. Also, all questions will be placed on the website so all voters will have access to our responses.
We hope to see you in the coming months.
For more information go to our Citizen’s Website at: