Yes, we have an election on Tuesday

For 2011 to be a local and statewide election year, things have been relatively quiet.
Maybe voters have other things on their mind, such as, whether or not they are going to keep their job; or, when they will be able to go back to work; or, perhaps they really don’t care much for the fallout that comes with the mud-slinging–especially by statewide and legislative candidates–on TV and radio and in the papers.
The party primary of August 2–and the subsequent run-off on August 23–have faded into the sunset.  The lag time between that and the general election seems to take its toll on a voter’s memory.  Much advertising takes place in the weeks before the primary, since candidates can’t make the general unless they come out of the primary.  Then, for a while, it subsides.
Lately, political advertising has increased across the board, of course, ahead of Tuesday’s general election.   The serious candidates broadcast their messages to as many voters at as many intervals as possible.  And, usually the strategy works.  Advertising requires dollars; therefore, the more dollars you have, the reasoning is, the more votes you will get.
So, most of you who plan to vote next Tuesday–and we encourage all voters to make the short trip to their ballot box–know much about your favorite candidate(s) from advertising, and not necessarily from meeting and talking with the candidates personally.  You’ve attempted to discern which candidate(s) is the best for the elected position.  That’s not always easy.  Whom do you believe?
The same goes with referendums–three of which will appear on next Tuesday’s ballots.  You are asked to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. This time you will be deciding on the definition of personhood (Initiative 26), whether or not voters should have to present a definite form of identification at polling places (Initiative 27) and whether or not eminent domain laws can be liberalized (Initiative 31).
Pay close attention to the wording of these three referendums.  What you read may not be what you hear or see on TV, radio and in newspapers.  Before you vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on any of them, do your own homework.  Educate  yourself.
We encourage you, firstly, to cast your vote next Tuesday–it’s your duty. Hundreds of thousands of our citizens have died not only to secure it, but to ensure it for generations. Secondly, we encourage you to elect leaders based on their individual character and on their own record–and their ability to utilize their leadership skills for the good of as many as possible–and not simply based on party affiliation, color, creed or any other superficial reason.  
The reasoning for your decision to vote for someone or for or against an initiative DOES matter.  
Joe Buck Coates