As Election Day looms, Bethlehem would seem to have a higher density of political yard signs than any community in the region. Judging by appearances, this town is ready to vote.

But is it ready to vote twice?

Ready or not, the board of the Bethlehem Public Library recently decided to schedule its much-anticipated vote on a $37 million expansion and renovation for Dec. 12. That’s raising a few eyebrows, given the proximity to the November election featuring, as you may have heard, a presidential contest and other races.

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“One could surmise the board really is not interested in a large degree of participation,” town resident Theresa Foster said. “I have never seen an explanation as to why the vote could not be combined with the school budget or library board vote, or with the general election.”

I’ve written a few columns over the years questioning why some school elections, in particular, are scheduled in ways that seem almost designed to draw either a low turnout or a select group of people. I’ve never received........

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