Now that early voting has commenced in Nevada, generally, and Humboldt County, specifically, I would like to share a few thoughts on what I believe are the responsibilities of the voters.
We, as the people, are in the driver seat. According to our Constitutions, both federal and state the power to govern flows from us, the voters, to our elected representatives. In essence we hire them and we can fire them. So, like any intelligent employer, we must be informed as to our needs and who, once chosen, will be the best person(s) to fulfill those needs, whether at the local, state or federal level.
Speaking to the issue of choosing the best persons, I have these suggestions. Does the candidate have a legitimate reason for seeking the office? Or, are they only running to participate in the process on behalf of the people? If she or he is running against an incumbent office holder, how does the candidate differ in approach or goals? Are the candidate’s goals attainable, and is there a credible plan of action for that attainment? If trying to judge the performance of an incumbent official, where did he or she succeed and where were their failures? What was the voting record? And, does the candidate freely share it? If the candidate is new to the fray, what experiences in their past can be used to judge their suitability for service in the office that is being sought? On the issue of communication – does the candidate embrace the modern forms of getting their message out to her or his constituency?
Now, to address the matter of knowing the needs for a particular office. If you are reading this opinion piece, you are already ahead of some by reading a local news source. But, do not overlook the electronic communications forms. Like it or not, they are not going away. Attend the open meetings that are relevant to your interests. Transparency is a great thing, but it cannot help a closed mind.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly – exercise the franchise. That means – voting. As a person who has voted in every available election since my eighteenth birthday when I helped to re-elect Nixon, including those held while I served aboard the USS Belleau Wood, I cannot imagine finding it inconvenient to cast a ballot. As I write, it is Memorial Day, too many good men and women have given their lives for us to be silent.
Tim Vaughan
