Although final statistics are not in, Brookline might rank near the top of Massachusetts cities and towns in voter turnout for last week’s Primary Election.  Well done, Brookline! 

But should we pat ourselves on the back for a turnout of 14.6% in the Primary?

Preliminary numbers also show a Boston turnout of almost 11%, Wellesley and Framingham around 10%, Newton and Lexington higher at 17% (Lexington had a hot contest for State Senate).

Brookline did beat its 2008 Primary Election turnout which was 13.9%.  Is voter participation trending up in Brookline?  Will we – can we beat our 2008 Presidential Election turnout, which was a whopping 85.6% (higher than Brookline’s 2004 turnout of 74.9%).

Enough numbers, statistics, and percentages.  The equation you need to remember is simple: when more voters participate, democracy is more vibrant, government is more responsive, and people are more connected.  Voters make a statement when they vote.  Voters make a difference.

Now the party conventions and the Primary have passed, on to the main event on November 6.  It is critical that we have a large voter turnout.  The League of Women Voters’ Brookline Votes 2012 Campaign will pull out all stops to reach every area and demographic in town to register voters, to provide information about candidates and issues, and to answer questions about voting procedures and process.  The Brookline Votes 2012 Campaign’s non-partisan, one-stop election and voting website, www.vote2012info.com is the place to start.

[Editor's Note: The town's Unofficial Results have been posted on the Town Website, and can be viewed here: How did Brookline Vote?]