To the editor:

Most of the citizens of Bainbridge Island, to their shame and disgrace, could not be bothered to vote in last Tuesday’s election. They had their ballots hand-delivered to their homes, and were given weeks to vote, but could not find a few minutes to exercise their civic duty.

In other states, “Election Day” is just that — one day only where the voter must get herself to a polling place. If you are out of town, sick, or on vacation too bad.

Here is Washington, it couldn’t be easier, but the landed gentry of our fair isle have more important things to do. Pick out the color of the new Tesla? Decide on new cabinets for the condo in Arizona? Spend hours on Facebook decrying the dreadful political scene? But actually voting: not important.

It’s not important who runs our city government, school board or parks district. That’s what two-thirds of this island said on Tuesday. I’m too busy, too content, too distracted.

Shameful and disgraceful.

Veterans Day is a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those in uniform. On July 4th, we love the parade. But taking a few moments to be a citizen is too much for the burghers and sophisticates here on the Rock.

Voting is a duty and responsibility.

All too many spend their waking hours complaining, but when given the chance to influence our shared public life they said, in effect, “Screw it. I have more important things to do, and thinking is hard.”

Many of these shameful non-voters can be found at all hours of the day and night posting, liking and sharing. When their community called, when their tradition called, when the blood and sacrifice of veterans called, two thirds of this affluent island was AWOL.

JEFF BROWN

Bainbridge Island