Campaigns can be exciting times for many people. They represent the hopes and dreams for the future, a chance to make things better, and an opportunity to change things that need to be changed.
In today’s edition we have begun to offer the views of candidates that local voters will see on the Nov. 6 ballot. We polled candidates in federal, state and local races on some basic questions, allowing them a platform to tell readers about themselves and their positions. Those that did not respond to our deadline were not included in this offering. And unchallenged candidates were not polled, but simply asked to provide a biography.
We had so many candidates participate that we could not include them all in today’s edition. Therefore, we will publish on Wednesday the responses of candidates seeking the following positions: State Representative District 3A, South Koochiching-Rainy River School Board, Ranier City Council, Littlefork City Council and Big Falls City Council.
We are publishing our Voter’s Guide material early in an effort to ensure that voters who vote by mail will have the opportunity to consider the material submitted by the candidates as they begin the election process.
Meanwhile, we encourage candidates as they campaign to play fair. Watching a few of the federal campaigns play out, we’re disturbed that some have included mud slinging and unsubstantiated claims.
In addition, we urge voters to do as must fact checking as possible as they consider claims and statements made by candidates.
But the best advice we can give is for voters to mark Nov. 6 on their calendars. It does no good to complain about issues and elected officials if you are not willing to play your role by voting.
