To the editor:

The decision of Tiverton Town Councilors Justin Katz and Robert Coulter to resort to a “Don’t Vote” message as their primary strategy for surviving the recall election reveals three important things about them, and none of them is admirable.

1. Katz and Coulter know that their support has dropped so low that they cannot win a majority of votes in favor of them serving out their terms. Instead they are hoping to use a low voter turnout, in this case fewer than approximately 1,000, as a way to invalidate the vote.

2. They only believe in the democratic process when it serves their purposes. Actively working to prevent or discourage people from participating in elections is a form of voter suppression, a hallmark of dictators who fear free and open elections. What will Katz and Coulter do on October 10? Stand outside polling places with signs saying “Don’t Vote!” and shout at would-be voters to turn around and go home?

3. Katz and Coulter only believe in the town charter when it benefits them. The recall provision in the town charter was a good idea until they became the subject of a recall. Now they argue that it’s too expensive and should only be used to remove convicted felons from office. They also like that the charter allows petitioner budgets when they or their supporters submit them. Every time anyone else authors a petitioner budget, however, Katz and Coulter argue that it should be kept off the ballot, as they did last spring. Despite their efforts, that budget went on the ballot and voters approved it. The will of the people should be heard and heeded now, as it was then, through the ballot box.

Let your voice be heard too, rather than being persuaded to give up your right to vote. A vote to recall Councilors Katz and Coulter is not only a vote for accountability in our elected officials; it’s also a vote for democracy, for the town charter, and for a better future for Tiverton.

Carol Herrmann

Tiverton