By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer
MARGATE – A supermarket is not usually considered a hub of democracy, but next week, that is exactly what Casel’s Supermarket will be.
On Saturday and Sunday, March 17-18, residents will be able to stop in the store, and while they are grabbing their milk, eggs and lunchmeat, they can also check to see if they are registered to vote in Margate.
Residents who are not registered can put down their shopping baskets and register right there at the store. Residents will also be able to request an absentee ballot if desired.
Owner Howard Seiden said his purpose in setting up the arrangement is not to garner support for any one candidate or party over another in the upcoming May 8 City Commission election. What he is supporting is the belief that residents need to get involved in any local election and get out and vote.
“We have people in town who are not sure if they are registered here or if they are still registered someplace else,” Seiden said recently.
“Some people have not voted in a few years, and they just do not know if they can actually go to the polls here in May,” said Seiden.
The market owner said he will have the most current list of residents registered in Margate.
“This isn’t a Democrat or Republican thing. I just want people to know if they can vote here or not,” Seiden said.
Seiden, who heads the Margate Business Coalition, also worked to set up a debate before the election.
A candidates forum moderated by the Cape May County League of Women Voters has been scheduled for April 24 at the Margate Performing Arts Center at the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School, according to Seiden.
Casel’s Supermarket is at 8008 Ventnor Ave., Margate. Residents will be able to check the registration rolls and register 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
