The focus of activity this week is likely to be Labor Day and the approaching end of summer, as well as the start of a new school year; there’s something else looming large in the days ahead the Primary Election on Sept. 11. The national conventions are upon us, but just as importantly, the state elections are almost here.
Locally, the focus of the primary is the Republican side, with plenty of candidates seeking a seat in the State House, as well as a contested race for Governor. The gubernatorial race has attracted more than one candidate on the Democratic ticket as well. While the big decisions are made at the November election, don’t downplay the primary, especially in local races. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know your candidates in this small state. Call them up, send them emails, ask them questions that matter to you. If you don’t get an answer, that’s answer enough.
The time is now to learn about the candidates, get behind the rhetoric, and decide which hopefuls merit your vote. And remember, a promise to cut taxes or to support seniors or to take care of children is not a realistic roadmap for action. Every candidate is going to smile broadly, shake as many hands as possible, and promise wonderful things. Don’t get sidetracked by the packaging.
Be specific in your queries, and with luck, you just might receive specific responses. Then you can base your vote on substance. But if what you get are platitudes, you may want to look elsewhere.
The candidates’ responses offer a glimpse at whether they answered the question or chose to offer pat generalities or personal agendas. That, too, says something. It’s become a cliché that voting is a right and a privilege, that people in other countries fight and die for a right that we often ignore. Our chance is coming up to show that we’ve changed our lackadaisical ways, and we’ve committed to getting off the couch and into the voting booth.
Your vote counts, but it means so much more if you cast it after making a studied, educated decision, not one based on inflammatory rhetoric. You all say you want to make a difference and you want change this is your time to shine. We’re in the center of political campaigns that can change the face of our state and our nation. And there’s no excuse good enough to justify sitting this one out, go vote.