When the HOA puts up a sign to keep out the riff raff.

[gulliver]

22. As a Democrat and liberal I respect the law and democracy

It's possible this HOA is near locations that are underserved by law enforcement. If there are no tough police forces nearby, then you have to worry, not about children, but about teens ruining Halloween for everybody by showing up.

Also, if you have people driving in from surrounding areas, that increases traffic in the neighborhood exactly at the time children are roaming the streets. I really can't believe anyone who has the least particle of empathy would endanger the safety of the neighborhood children by encouraging drive-ins. All in the service of eating too much sugar.

Finally, as a Democrat and liberal, I respect democracy. I'm sure the HOA policy represents the voted will of the neighborhood. The neighborhood owes no one any explanation. Their vote is their voice. Their voice is their will. Done.