In Our View: Get informed before casting your ballot

Vote.

That is the most important recommendation The Columbian Editorial Board can offer during this election season. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt is credited with saying, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”

The editorial board has spent the past several weeks interviewing candidates for the Nov. 3 general election, for both statewide and local elections. We provide unedited recordings of those interviews online and share our recommendations in the newspaper and online with the goal of helping to inform voters.

The rest is up to you. Ballots must be mailed by Election Day (no postage required) or can be dropped off at official ballot boxes throughout Clark County.

The Voters’ Pamphlet offers information provided by candidates and contains detailed information about ballot measures. And The Columbian’s news team has provided coverage that is separate from the work of the editorial board.

While it is essential that all eligible citizens vote, it is equally important that they be informed before casting a ballot. Here is a recap of the editorial board’s recommendations:

• 3rd District Congressional representative: Carolyn Long.

• Governor: Jay Inslee is the clear choice.

• Lieutenant Governor: Denny Heck. Marko Liias also is a strong candidate.

• Secretary of State: Kim Wyman.

• State Treasurer: Duane Davidson.

• State Auditor: Pat (Patrice) McCarthy.

• Attorney General: Bob Ferguson is the clear choice.

• Commissioner of Public Lands: Hilary Franz is the clear choice.

• Superintendent of Public Instruction: Chris Reykdal is the clear choice.

• Insurance Commissioner: Mike Kreidler is the clear choice.

• 17th District senator: Lynda Wilson. Daniel Smith also is a strong candidate.

• 17th District representative No. 1: Tanisha Harris.

• 17th District representative No. 2: Paul Harris is a strong candidate, and his challenger has dropped out of the race.

• 18th District senator: Ann Rivers.

• 18th District representative No. 1: Brandon Vick.

• 18th District representative No. 2: Larry Hoff. Donna Sinclair also is a strong candidate.

• 49th District senator: Annette Cleveland.

• 49th District representative No. 1: Sharon Wylie is the clear choice.

• 49th District representative No. 2: Monica Stonier.

• Clark County Council, Pos. 3: Jesse James.

• Clark County Council, Pos. 4: Gary Medvigy. Matt Little also is a strong candidate.

• State Supreme Court justice, Pos. 3: Raquel Montoya-Lewis.

• State Supreme Court justice, Pos. 6: G. Helen Whitener is the clear choice.

• Referendum Measure No. 90: Approved.

• Engrossed Senate Joint Resolution No. 8212: Approved.

• Advisory Vote Nos. 32-35: These are nonbinding votes that will have no impact.

• President and vice president of the United States: The Columbian Editorial Board has chosen not to offer a recommendation. Voters are well-informed about both candidates, and without interviewing them we are unable to provide additional insight that specifically relates to Southwest Washington.