Moore: Dover cannabis survey doesn’t represent population
Terri H. Moore is a resident of Dover.
I read your article titled, “Results of Dover marijuana survey revealed.” In the article, it states that “about 60% of residents would like to see the cannabis industry develop in Dover” and that these “findings” were presented to City Council during the Sept. 24 Committee of the Whole meeting as reflecting the desires of the residents of Dover. Is this really a fair and accurate representation of the desires of the residents of Dover? Consider the following:
According to the World Population Review, the 2024 population of the city of Dover is 40,085, of which 31,248 are adults. This “survey” is said to have garnered 2,228 responses. That means that only 7% of the entire city’s adult population responded to the survey, and 93% did not respond at all. Out of the 2,228 that did respond, 1,292 (58%) responded in favor of the industry, and 936 (42%) responded in opposition to the industry — a difference of 356 people. So, in essence, 356 people decided the fate of nearly 41,000.
In nearly every decision-making body, a quorum is required to proceed. No quorum, no decision. Investopedia makes the following statement concerning a quorum: “A quorum refers to the minimum acceptable level of individuals with a vested interest in a company needed to make the proceedings of a meeting valid under the corporate charter. This clause or general agreement ensures there is sufficient representation present at meetings before any changes can be made by the board.” According to Robert’s Rules of Order, a quorum is the “minimum number of voting members who must be present at a properly called meeting in order to conduct business in the name of the group.” Even our own City Council requires a quorum to proceed in its meetings.
Shouldn’t Dover’s City Council require that any survey that is presented as “representing the residents of Dover” has a minimum number of respondents for it to be considered valid? How can 4% (1,292) of the adult population (31,248) determine the will of the other 96%? Many entities require 51% to be a quorum, and if this principle was applied to this survey, it would no doubt more accurately reflect the views of Dover residents.
I understand that you cannot make people respond. But perhaps those who distributed the survey should examine their methods of distribution and how they notified residents about the survey and seek to use more effective ways to get greater participation before moving forward with any decision that has the potential to change the social, economic and moral landscape of Dover. A minimum requirement of 51% would more accurately reflect the views of Dover’s citizens. In my opinion, a 7% adult response to the survey is a failed survey. Perhaps those who gave the survey should return to the drawing board and try again.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
