Most would agree, “politics” has become a negative word. The word “democracy,” on the other hand, gives us positive feelings, patriotic ones, A vibrant democracy assumes “we, the people” have differing political opinions.

But democracy is currently suffering, ironically, because of politics. Sometimes democracy needs a wake up call. This year, it was politics that provided that call… and it was women who answered.

Political trends can be difficult to understand, even by experts. But there is one trend that isn’t murky. More women are running for office than ever before… running in record numbers. Although women in political life are still a minority, in this election season, there are 323 races in which at least one woman is running. “More women than ever before have won major party primaries for governor, U.S. Senate and House this year — setting a U.S. record and paving the way for November battles that could significantly increase the number of women in elected office…”

Women in politics are not new to Gouverneur. Rhoda Fox Graves, during the suffrage campaign in St. Lawrence County worked diligently to make the Town of Gouverneur the first town in St. Lawrence County that allowed women to vote in the 1917 election. When women finally got the vote nationally, Rhoda entered the world of politics. When she announced that she would run for the New York State Assembly, her opponent, Frank Scott of Morristown said "Anyone can beat a woman.” She campaigned hard, promising farmers she would represent them in Albany and women and seniors, she would make their concerns known. She listened. And she trounced Scott, getting twice as many votes. Rhoda was elected to the State Assembly four times.

Following in Rhoda Fox Graves footsteps was Dede Scozzafava, who served on the Gouverneur Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1993 and was Mayor of Gouverneur from 1993 to 1998. She represented District 122 in the New York State Assembly from 1999 to 2010.

She continues to serve our community as Commissioner of the State of New York Tax Appeals Tribunal.

In our congressional district, this election season, two women, Elise Stefanik and Tedra Cobb, are vying to represent the New York 21st District in Congress. And in my local district, women are also part of this wave of women candidates. Two local women are running for office this November.

Barbara Finnie, for County Legislature and Donna Lawrence, for Village Board. Both have extensive history of service to the community. And both will focus their energy informed by the voice of those who elected them. This November, I urge everyone of voting age to come out and support the candidate of your choice.

Shari Barnhart

Gouverneur