Democracy for a mere stamp

Not so long ago, citizens had to make their way to a polling place to cast their votes. Often, long lines made the process time consuming. Then, too, the weather might make even getting to the voting booth difficult. Arrangements had to be made to care for the kids.

Now, all it takes to cast a ballot is to open the mail, mark the ballot, sign the security envelope and stick on a stamp.

The postal service will get the ballot to the elections office, and the votes will be counted.

Things have changed.

But not everything has changed.

Voter turnout is still low— lower than most democracies around the world.

Even so, this Tuesday is the deadline for votes in the 2015 Primary election. A number of special funding propositions are on the various ballots as well as four important three-way races that could impact local jurisdictions dramatically. This primary will eliminate one of the candidates in each race. The survivors will face off in the general election in November.

There is a three-way race for state District 9 respesentative. The contenders are Richard Lathim (R), Mary Dye (R) and Kenneth Caylor (D). In Colfax, G. Todd Vanek, Don Henderson and J.W. Roberts are vying for the mayor’s seat. In Palouse, Michael Echanove, Connie Newman and Brad Pearce want to be mayor. In Garfield, three want to be elected to the Town Council. They are Scott Bowman, Sharon Schnebly and Neal Leon.

These are important, and the outcomes can make a big difference for local residents.

All it costs is the price of a stamp.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher