Letter: As you cast your first vote, please do your research

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 28, 2020

Editor,

So, you are 18-, 19- or 20-years old and a first-time voter. Welcome to the electorate.

Voting is both an important right and a sacred duty. It’s an activity every adult should pursue.

As you move forward during this election cycle, you’ll be bombarded with television ads, mailers, social media and road signs, all clamoring for your attention. Many older adults will be competing to tell you for whom you should cast your ballot.

I won’t be one of them.

Instead, I respectfully request that you consider the future before voting. What do you want for your community, state and nation in five, 10 or 20 years? Are current “hot button” issues going to be less or more important in those time frames? Who best represents your vision of the future?

Votes need not automatically go to the candidate who shouts the loudest or hurls the meanest or most clever insults. I always look first to see who is paying for an attack ad. What’s their true motivation?

Please do the appropriate research on the candidates up and down the ballot. Combine the information you gather with your conscience and vision for the future.

Voting is a tremendous responsibility, but you’re smart and ready to take on this adult challenge.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Your community, and nation, very much need your participation.

Steve Ellis

Coupeville