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Editorial: Your vote is a vital voice in the chorus of democracy
Voters have been filling out ballots for weeks in Washington state, and it still isn’t too late to get involved. As long as your ballot is dropped off or postmarked by today (Election Day), your vote will be counted – maybe even recounted, if some of the predictions of close elections come true.
Yes, it’s been a particularly unpleasant election season, with an avalanche of irritating TV ads, mailers, campaign signs and sophomoric charges and countercharges. A record amount of money is being spent on some races, but did you know that some of these negative ads are designed to keep you from voting?
Voter suppression is a timeless tactic, with the idea being that if voters become so disgusted, they will not vote in any race. This cedes more power to the folks behind those ads.
You can, in a sense, fight back against those irritating robo-calls and thwart the producers of those juvenile ads that make television viewing such a high blood pressure event.
How? By voting.
It looks like a relatively high number of people will be doing that in Washington this year. Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed is predicting a 66 percent turnout of eligible voters, which could possibly be the most in a midterm election in 40 years. If it comes to pass, the state would be continuing the positive trend of voter participation that began in the record-setting 2008 election, when more than four of five eligible voters cast ballots.
Idaho is also looking at a high turnout, with its secretary of state predicting a 63 percent to 64 percent participation rate. Most of them will vote today. Idaho voters need to remember that this is the first general election in which they have to show a photo ID or sign a personal identity affidavit. Gem State voters can register on Election Day, but they’ll need valid ID and proof of address (a utility bill will do).
If you have decided against voting, please reconsider. It is the cornerstone of our representative democracy, and the best chance you’ll have to send a message to political leaders.
If you’re not sure who or what to vote for, check The Spokesman-Review’s website (www.spokesman.com), which has a wealth of details and endorsements. Information on state and local races can also be found at www.sos.wa.gov/elections and http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/spokane. In Idaho, try the secretary of state’s website: www.sos.idaho.gov.
Many issues, from liquor sales, to taxation, to better schools, to economic vitality, will be decided directly or indirectly in this election.
Make sure your voice is added to the chorus of democracy.