The Deer of Bellingham are an underrepresented population in the Bellingham area. They deserve to have a voice!

The definition of who gets to vote in America has changed over the centuries to be more inclusive of people subject to the ruling of the American government. While these expansions of rights have been extraordinary and necessary, the expansion must continue. It would be silly to suggest that any dumb animal on the streets should be able to vote. Many animals lack the skills and ability to fill out a ballot, locate a drop box, and mail it in for counting. This is not true when it comes to the Deer of Bellingham. For decades, this subgroup of deer have maneuvered the streets of Bellingham and even utilized crosswalks to ensure their safety. They have broken into elaborate backyard gardens to eat organic produce. They have even been seen at local political demonstrations and partaking in homeless advocacy groups to help their fellow community members. They have clearly demonstrated they have the capacity to think, and perform the necessary procedures when it comes to voting.

Why must deer vote you might ask? There are local issues that affect them everyday such as transportation, 2nd amendment, and affordable housing. The Deer are often heavily impacted by the decisions of our local government, but do not get a say in the matter, and this simply is not fair. The more important question to ask is, why not give deer the right to vote? This injustice can be solved by granting Deer in Bellingham city limits the right to vote. After all, intelligence was never a requirement to cast a ballot.