-- BARBARA HARTWIG, Othello

This is the first time in all the years I have voted in a presidential election that I have honestly felt that my vote did not count. We need to consider changing the Electoral College to allow a popular vote to be the deciding factor in choosing our president. We here in Washington are completely overshadowed by the west side and especially King County.

All of our Electoral College votes are given to the candidate that the west side decides on. There is really no need for us on the east side to vote, as we have no voice. If this very important election was decided by the popular vote, half of Washington State would be able to actually help decide on a president.

I am sure I will continue voting, but I really feel some things need to change.