To the editor:

Portsmouth will have a chance this election cycle to join the growing number of local communities that have opted for nonpartisan local elections. What follows is the argument in favor.

Nonpartisan elections make it easier for folks with differing perspectives to run. If candidates don’t have to align exactly with a political party’s stated objectives, they might be empowered to give it a shot. Such folks may bring new ideas to a system that is supposed to help us all improve our lives in all sorts of positive ways. Differing opinions may be annoying, but a good discussion of alternatives tends to focus our debates on the ways we improve life for all.

Partisan politics in America these days have become highly polarizing. The result has frequently been gridlock. Nonpartisan local elections promote collaboration and a less divisive atmosphere. Not being labeled a Republican or a Democrat makes it easier to work together toward common goals. This type of collaboration prevents the stalling of progress that moves everyone forward.

Nonpartisan seats help ensure that elected officials focus on specific needs. Every community is different. Elected officials should devote their personal time and effort to understanding what happens each time they vote to do something. Without the distraction of party politics, local officials can dedicate their energy to solving problems that matter most to residents. Doing things this way leads to better governance.

Local officials who realize they will not be seen in strict party terms become more accountable to all residents. Voters will look at individual officials as their voice in government. They will have to keep ahead of the issues that affect everyone in our communities. This will promote accountability, reduce polarization and make it easier for anyone to render their opinions directly to individuals.

Imagine if you felt that each member of the Town Council and School Committee knew what you were thinking. Do we even know the names of the folks we have put in charge of our lives? Keeping informed of the issues that are affecting our lives is not easy. We don’t hear the debates that are happening all around us.

We depend on the folks we elect to make good decisions that help everyone. How do we know that our elected officials are not being told what to do by their political party leaders? Going nonpartisan locally breaches the walls and keeps the national discussions where they belong. Best to know our local officials are there for us in our neighborhood.

Others have commented on the unfairness of name placements on a ballot. If unaffiliated candidates are always on the bottom of the ballot, it is unfair.

Please consider voting in favor of nonpartisan elections.

Jeffrey L. Richard

Portsmouth