Endorsements and editorials are made solely by the ownership of this newspaper. As is the case at most newspapers across the nation, The Spokesman-Review newsroom and its editors are not a part of this endorsement process. (Learn more.)
Editorial: It’s easy to register to vote, and to get informed
Are you a Washingtonian who wants to vote but still hasn’t registered? Can you spare three minutes?
If so, head to the website of the Secretary of State’s Office – www.sos.wa.gov – and click on the bright blue box.
You have until Oct. 6 for online and mail-in registration. Oct. 27 is the deadline to do so at the county elections office, 1033 W. Gardner Ave.
Idahoans can register on Election Day, Nov. 4, if they bring proof of identification and residency. For details and other ways to register, visit IdahoVotes.org.
For members of the military and others overseas, the election already is underway. Washington state mailed about 65,000 military and absentee ballots Sept. 20. For everyone else, voting commences just after ballots are mailed Oct. 17. As long as your ballot is postmarked by Nov. 4, it will be counted. Drop boxes also will be available, if you want to save on postage. Library branches are among the locales.
For traditionalists who want to cast their ballots in person on Election Day, voter service centers will be available. The centers also can assist those who need help voting. Email elections@spokanecounty.org or call (509) 477-2320 for locations and details.
Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman is predicting a 62 percent turnout, or double the primary election participation. That’s lower than the past two midterm elections, but those featured U.S. Senate races and this one doesn’t.
However, there are two gun-related initiatives and a measure concerning class sizes in schools that need voter attention statewide. Plus, important park and street propositions for Spokane voters to consider.
Over the next couple of weeks, The Spokesman-Review editorial board will publish its endorsements in this space. We’ve interviewed scores of candidates over the summer and continue to do so. Most candidates agree to the interviews, and we appreciate their participation. During the process, we learn a lot. From these insights, we make recommendations.
Despite what critics say, we are not telling you how to vote. The value of each endorsement is for individual voters to decide.
We applaud all candidates who choose to run for office. As first-timers will attest, it can be a surprisingly grueling endeavor. But also a rewarding one. Though this summer was a particularly hot one, candidates still walked neighborhoods and rang doorbells in search of support. Many say this is the most fulfilling part of campaigning. They discover new issues and learn that people really do care. Just listening, they say, is its own reward.
October will be a busy election month. Debates will be staged. Ads will fill the airwaves. We hope coverage in The Spokesman-Review will help inform the electorate.
We also hope you participate. The choice is yours, and it does matter.