There are very few good excuses for not voting in the upcoming local government election (Nov. 15), such as being out of town or being new to town. Being out on the town doesn’t cut it as an excuse.
Every three – now four – years we choose five people to sit on our town councils to make decisions on our behalf – decisions ranging from granting a variance on a building permit to local road improvements to how to manage and charge for taxes and utilities.
Most of us have opinions on matters that affect the things that town councils control. Standing for public office means you’re willing to stand up and fight for your opinions.
There are hundreds of adults in town, and we all can’t sit around a council table - we’d never be able to agree on a course of action - so we elect a small number and hope that they will both express our views on council and also do what’s best for the town.
Still not sure how to vote?
Become acquainted with your candidates. We’re voting for mayor and four council members and one school board trustee. Those who live outside the Village boundaries will also be voting for a regional district Director.
Nomination period officially ends Oct. 10 and that is when we’ll know who is running for what position.
If you’ve lived here for any amount of time, you probably already know the candidates – if you don’t know them, you may see them campaigning door to door, so get your questions ready for them. The Journal will also run their biographies in the Nov. 6 issue (which, by the way, is a Full Moon). Some of the candidates will also advertise in the newspaper and/or leave posters or brochures around town, and often there is at least one All Candidates Forum in town.
Don’t leave it up to others to do your voting for you. Find out where your voting poll is, bring two pieces of picture ID and vote! Vote for one candidate, or two - anywhere up to the maximum number.
Then go home or go out on the town and be proud about casting your ballot.
Wendy Coomber is editor of the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal