To the editor:

I wish to extend a big thank you to registered voters of all parties in the Town of Cicero who took the time these past few weeks to sign candidate petitions. It was challenging going door to door on some days not just because of the cold and wind, but also because the threat of the coronavirus was on everyone’s mind.

Small obstacles aside, it was interesting to talk with Cicero’s fine residents, who for the most part were thoughtfully cognitive in the election process and supportive of it. We met voters who wanted to become more involved in a particular party or to assist the election process by becoming poll inspectors. Most seemed to really care about individual candidate platforms and some voters opted not to sign the petitions of those candidates with whom they disagreed. Hurrah for them! In my long history of passing petitions, this was the most discerning year on the part of potential voters.

It was gratifying having conversations with citizens who asked questions but also included us in their everyday lives. We heard about cruises to the Caribbean and other vacations, taken and cancelled; about having trouble at the grocery store buying toilet paper, meat, and other necessary items. We also met dogs of all sizes, breeds, and colors like a gray-marked miniature dachshund. My daughter and I were even thanked for taking on the task of passing petitions.

The downside of this very satisfying experience, however, is that not all registered voters were interested enough to participate in this essential exercise. I can only hope that they will someday realize our freedoms are protected by those citizens who are involved in the election process.

Jessica Zambrano

Cicero