History suggests that less than one-third of registered voters in Clark County will turn in ballots for the Nov. 2 general election. That means about 100,000 people will be choosing the mayors, city councilors and school board members for a county of more than 500,000 residents.
So, when your taxes increase or the garbage doesn’t get picked up or the school board does something nutty, you know who to blame. If you don’t vote, you can blame yourself.
Ballots were mailed Friday and they must be returned or postmarked by Election Day. County officials provide 22 secure boxes where ballots can be dropped off; if mailing a ballot, no postage is required. Information about voting is included in the Voters’ Pamphlet (beginning on Page 146) or on the county’s election website.
With persistent falsehoods about voter fraud infecting our democracy, it is crucial that we protect our system of voting. Participating in the process is the most effective way for average citizens to bolster that protection.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board has been working to provide clarity for many items on the ballot. We have interviewed candidates for several elected positions, and have posted unedited video of the interviews online. We also have been offering recommendations for prominent races and ballot measures.
As we mention with each recommendation, these are designed to foster discussion and offer insight from our meetings with candidates. The recommendations are supposed to enhance your own investigation of the candidates and the issues, not replace it.
Such investigation is imperative. While elections for city councils and school boards do not generate the same attention as a vote for president or Congress, they are just as important. These elected positions have a more immediate impact on the daily lives of Clark County residents than people who work 2,800 miles away.
Here is a recap of The Columbian’s recommendations for the Nov. 2 election:
Regardless of whether or not you agree with these recommendations, your opinion doesn’t matter unless you fill out a ballot and turn it in.
