EDITORIAL: Every vote

Posted

Every vote …

Jefferson County is lucky to have an excellent group of candidates running for two important offices this year.

That was evident when candidates seeking a seat on the board of commissioners for Jefferson County Hospital District 2 – Bernie Donanberg, Bruce McComas and Cheri Van Hoover – and the Chimacum School Board – Wilma Hackman, Jack McKay and Jared Shepherd – met July 12 at the Tri-Area Community Center for a debate and conversation about issues impacting these two important districts.

The issues, which include the future of Jefferson County’s largest public health care system and the future of Chimacum schools, are huge. The candidates all gave thoughtful answers. There is no doubt that all six care about the offices they seek.

And frankly, there are nuanced differences between the candidates, so listening to them answer questions in person is helpful.

Remember, these people need to work well with current hospital commissioners and current school board members in order to be successful.

Stories about the candidates’ forum are included in this issue of The Leader as are questions that we hope will help you decide whom to vote for.

For those who missed the forum, sponsored by the AAUW (American Association of University Women), tune in to KPTZ-FM to listen to the forum.

Worrisome, however, is the fact that the primary election is on Aug. 1 – a matter of days away. Many people have already received their ballots.

So here’s a concern: If you look at voter turnout for primary elections in Jefferson County, which has one of the best records in the state for general elections, it’s a bit bleak.

In the Aug. 2, 2016 primary, for example, less than half of the registered voters – 48 percent, to be exact – cast ballots. In the Aug. 4, 2015 primary, the turnout was even lower – 37 percent. In the Aug. 5, 2014 primary, it was 50 percent.

The top two vote-getters in the Aug. 1 primary move on to the Nov. 7 general election.

While it’s true that all of the candidates are well qualified, it would be a shame if the candidate of your choice didn’t make it to the November ballot because you didn’t vote.

And finally, a shout-out to the Jefferson County League of Women Voters, the Association of University Women for sponsoring the forum, and Scott Wilson for moderating it. These forums are conducted with care and always informative.

There was an excellent turnout of more than 100 people on a warm summer night. While many people left after the hospital commission candidates spoke, there still were people around to listen to the school board candidates.

Please, take some time to read – or listen to – what the candidates have to say before casting your ballot. And don’t forget to vote by Aug. 1. It does matter.

– Allison Arthur