In a surprising turn of events in Cato, New York, all town council seats were claimed by unlikely write-in candidates during the latest election. In a town of 2,500 residents located in Cayuga County, the elections initially appeared uncontested as there were no challengers for the five available positions. However, a write-in campaign emerged just weeks before Election Day, ultimately leading to a complete sweep of the ballot.
Background of Cato’s Elections
Typically, Cato has leaned heavily toward the Republican Party, with nearly 70% of residents supporting Donald Trump in the past. Despite this political trend, residents became disillusioned following a series of troubling incidents. Allegations of inappropriate town meetings and the frequent turnover of the town clerk’s position created unrest. A prominent local news site, Green Gator News, highlighted these issues, including the appointment of the town supervisor’s sister-in-law to the clerk position, which further fueled community dissatisfaction.
Rise of Write-In Candidates
With growing unrest among townspeople, individuals began to organize write-in campaigns, markedly changing the tone of the election. Among the candidates, Kathy Pelkey, a retired paralegal and sheep farmer, stepped up to run for town clerk. Pelkey’s decision came after holding the position briefly on an interim basis when no one else volunteered. She emphasized the importance of community engagement, asserting on social media, “This election reflects the strength and benefit of our democratic republic.”
Meaghan Burnett played a crucial role in promoting the write-in slate. While living just outside town and unable to vote, Burnett was invested in Cato’s future and worked on spreading awareness for each position that was contested. By mid-October, campaign efforts ramped up with signs and social media advertisements throughout the town.
Community Engagement and Election Results
The write-in candidates conducted various community outreach efforts, including door-to-door visits and meet-and-greet events at the American Legion. They provided residents with sample ballots and instructions on how to properly write in their names. The excitement culminated in unprecedented levels of attendance at town board meetings, with one gathering attracting around 80 people.
Election Day results revealed a strong turnout for the write-in candidates, defying expectations within a traditionally Republican voting base. The unofficial results displayed a decisive victory for the write-ins, with Pelkey and Jody Snyder, a former town clerk, each receiving over 70% of the total votes in their respective races. Snyder won the supervisor position with 421 votes, compared to her opponent’s 165.
Conclusion
This election is a clear illustration of community mobilization and democratic participation. The success of the write-in candidates in Cato exemplifies a turning point in local governance, demonstrating that change is possible, even in a traditionally conservative setting. As Pelkey stated, “It’s the right thing to do for my community.”
