Moore letter: Uninformed voters

On May 17, my wife and I headed out to our local polling place to vote for the candidates and measures on the ballot. We have voted in every election since we were 21 years old. I must say this election was a challenge since there is no real way to secure information on those running for office or for the ballot measures. I have lived in two other states and both supplied registered voters with a sample ballot/voter information guide through the mail. It allowed the candidates to make a short presentation of their stands on important issues and gave their party affiliation. Each ballot measure was given a few paragraphs where those for and those against the measure could make their arguments. That evening on the news I heard county officials and state and local politicians lamenting the sparse voter turnout and stating how much they wanted an informed electorate. It’s hard to be informed when the very first time a voter sees a candidate’s name is when they are standing in the voting booth. An “informed citizenry” will turn out to elections in greater numbers and be prepared with the needed information to cast a meaningful vote.

This story was originally published June 8, 2016 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Moore letter: Uninformed voters."