Letter: Please exercise your right to vote

I’m running for office because I want to get residents more involved in the future of Richland. While deciding where to doorbell, I was going over voting records for past elections and saw how few people actually vote. Not only are too few people registered, but too few of those who are, vote!

For example, among apartment dwellers in the big complexes on Aaron Drive, only 87 households had registered voters, and only 12 people voted! I also saw the name of an entrepreneur I know who’s well-educated and upper middle class. The person is registered, but didn’t vote in the last several elections. I was really shocked.

If you haven’t voted yet, dig through the mail on your desk or counter, and find your ballot. Google the candidates and examine their online presence. Visit your county elections office online, look at the voter pamphlet for candidate statements. Make an educated decision. Please vote!

I don’t care if you vote for me (I’m running for Richland Council Position 4). I just want everyone who can vote to participate. Please don’t waste our tax dollars and resources on an unused ballot. Use your democratic right to participate.

This story was originally published July 26, 2017 at 1:41 PM with the headline "Letter: Please exercise your right to vote."