Democracy is less a birthright than a responsibility. Total enfranchisement gives the right to vote, in addition to citizens, to anyone who has been a state resident for 12 months. Every resident has a stake in our communities, so every resident deserves a say in our Democracy, and every resident should be required to take responsibility for our government's actions.

Federally total enfranchisement requires amending the Constitution which defines voting as a right of citizens. Some might argue voting should remain the sole right of citizens. But on what grounds? Does being born on U.S. soil give one a greater stake in our communities than residing here. Does being able to trace your family’s citizenship back to the country's founding change your stake? No! As residents we are all subject to our government and if our government is a democracy, we should all have a say in it.

Given the national political climate I do not expect total enfranchisement to gain traction. But this does not mean it could not be enacted by states, allowing all residents to vote in state and municipal elections. I call on Connecticut to live up to its democratic roots and enact total enfranchisement!

Jonathan Stokes

Stonington