Letter: Election wish list

The editorial “Our wish list for this election season” (TCH, May 26), gives excellent guidance for candidates. You advised candidates to 1) maintain decorum and dignity commensurate with the office, 2) know the issues, the office, and its responsibilities, 3) attend meetings, read the minutes, and study the budget, 4) run a thoughtful campaign focused on the people to be served, and 5) understand the duty and fiduciary responsibility of the office. You also advised voters to be “a student of the candidates.”

I would like to expand upon the civic duty of voters. Many people have said the coming 2016 elections are the most important of their lifetime; I agree. Decisions of such importance deserve careful thought and a significant effort to know the candidates and understand the issues.

Voters should read the candidate’s literature and voter pamphlets, visit candidate’s websites (see https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/elections/Candidates/WhoFiled?countyCode=be), attend candidate forums to meet the candidates face-to-face and ask questions. Compare competing candidates, examine their positions on major issues, and choose carefully. The winners will have a direct impact on your future. Be a well-informed voter.

This story was originally published June 2, 2016 at 1:58 AM with the headline "Letter: Election wish list."