Support kids with vote

Amidst all of the nonsense of the presidential campaign, please keep in mind the impact our decisions will have on children, who only make up 25 percent of our population but are 100 percent of our future.

Let’s remember we have a duty to speak up for the issues and initiatives that affect us all, including kids. In Washington, of particular relevance to kids are initiatives like 1433, which would allow parents to earn paid sick leave to use if they need to care for a sick child.

There is much at stake for kids in this election. In the U.S., one in five children live in poverty and in households where food is scarce; seven child and teen gun-related deaths occur daily.

I encourage you to look at the state’s Online Voters Guide for descriptions of initiatives as well as lists of legislators up for election. There are specific initiatives related to kids on the ballot, and you have the opportunity to support them. Visit a site like www.WashingtonVotes.org to see how legislators vote on specific issues like children, health or education. Get engaged, get informed and get out the vote.

Matt Thompson, MD

Spokane