Why the cynical tone in your opinion (“It’s that time of year again,” July 25).

I happen to prefer the vote-by-mail option. It gives me time to actually sit down and read the full ballot and really consider how I want to vote. I’m a regular Whidbey News-Times reader, but there always seems to be a measure on the ballot that I’m not totally informed about. If I have my ballot before me and access to valid information (via the Internet, the library, etc.), I can make better informed choices.

What about those people who take long commutes to work, go on short detachments for the Navy, or who otherwise find themselves heavily involved on that one voting day? The world is changing; we aren’t all in one place at one time anymore.

Sure, there are kinks that can be worked out (the Oregon model seems like a good idea), but to go back to the old way because it’s always been done that way?

We have enough whining in the world today. What we need are open minds and good ideas to make things better. Fill out your ballot and take it to the ballot box in front of city hall. You’ll save a postage stamp.

Teresa McElhiney
Oak Harbor