For years, Alabama went against all logic — and likely the U.S. Constitution — by telling residents in small towns that they could not vote on whether their municipalities could sell alcoholic beverages.

In that sense, there’s change afoot. And it’s for the better.

Last year, the state Legislature decided to allow towns with populations of 1,000 or more to hold liquor votes. This still disfranchises those who live in towns with 999 or fewer residents, but to deny the vote to fewer people than before is progress nonetheless.

Opponents of this change argued that if people get to vote on selling liquor they might approve it — and that would lead to all sorts of problems. The fact that democracy is about people taking part in the process seems to have been missed by those opponents.

This editorial board is fully aware of the dangers of alcohol — both to the drinker and to the society that allows it to be sold and consumed without strict regulation. We also are aware that drunk-driving hazards are increased when residents in dry counties go to a nearby wet county for their booze.

The point is that a person who drinks should not drive, whether at home or elsewhere.

As expected, when the law last year was revised, petitions began to circulate in a few Alabama small towns; people lined up on both sides of the liquor issue. In some places it got nasty. More than a few churches got involved, and preachers castigated members who favored the sale of beer, wine and whiskey. Neighbors got angry at neighbors. Old friends quit speaking to each other.

But in tough times, most towns need new revenue, even if it is from liquor sales. Thus, petitions were signed, votes were held and the people spoke.

In the southwest corner of Alabama, the little town of Grove Hill approved the sale of liquor. Last week, residents of Hanceville, in Cullman County, voted no. That’s what democracy is all about.

This does not mean that Hanceville residents are more moral and upright than Grove Hill residents. The Hanceville proposal failed by less than 50 votes, so it is no time for the victors to claim the high ground.

Yet, it is time to reflect on what happens when people are allowed to vote on issues they deem important. In some cases the majority will feel the measure should be approved and will vote that way. In other cases the majority will see this as an opportunity to express their displeasure and vote to reject it.

It can go either way.

The process is as important as the outcome. Sometimes Alabama’s legislators miss that point.