As the editors of The Columbian noted May 18, the recent filing for candidates seeking elected office should remind us of some important homework. That is, to research the wide field of candidates in the Aug. 2 Clark County primary.
As the nation’s foremost nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters, the League of Women Voters is happy to help with the task. We believe doing so is the best way we can work to defend democracy.
First, let’s be clear: The League isn’t about telling you how to vote. We’re about providing you information so that you can make up your own mind. Nor are we about promoting one candidate over another. We’re about providing opportunities for voters to learn about the candidates’ views. We want eligible voters to be able to cast their ballots safely and thoughtfully — and with confidence.
We hope both voters and candidates alike are mindful of the significance of the primary election. After all, a voter who takes the time to mark a primary ballot determines who advances to the Nov. 8 general election.
Last year, less than one-quarter of eligible voters in the primary determined who would be on the November ballot. Is that OK with you? If you want a voice in that decision, be sure to vote in the primary.
As for candidates, a little reminder might be in order: Research shows that voters appreciate public opportunities where they can learn more about those seeking their support. That’s because, in many ways, a forum or similar public event is much like a job interview.
So, as has been our practice for years now, the Clark County League is looking forward to hosting live forums in as many primary races as possible where at least three candidates are competing.
We will continue to work with Clark-Vancouver Television to air the forums live; CVTV.org is also able to make the videos available for voters to view later.
At least a handful of primary races look promising for conducting forums — county sheriff; Legislative District 17, Representative Positions 1 and 2; Legislative District 18, Position 2; and Clark County Council, Districts 1, 2 and 5.
The large number of candidates in the 3rd Congressional District race has prompted us to take another approach. We will invite candidates to individual interviews and then post videos of those interviews online. That way voters can watch as it’s convenient for them.
As part of our efforts to empower voters, the League also will invite candidates to share their views on important issues at Vote411.org, the League’s online voter guide.
League members also will hold voter registration efforts throughout the county. We’re confirmed for tables at the June 17 Juneteenth celebration and the Sept. 10 Vancouver Peace & Justice Fair, both at Esther Short Park.
The League was founded 101 years ago as “a mighty political experiment,” six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified and white women earned the vote. At the time, the goal was to provide nonpartisan information to help the newly enfranchised 20 million voters exercise their new responsibilities. Over the years, the League has worked diligently to help both women and men exercise that responsibility.
We do so because we believe voting is the key to empowering voters and defending democracy. If you’d like to learn more about our organization, visit us at lwvclarkcounty.org.
Sharon Brown and Melanie Handshaw are co-chairs of the League of Women Voters of Clark County Candidate Forum Committee.
