Letter to the Editor - Research the issues and vote

Dear Editor,

I am fed up with my telephone, television, radio, computer and mailbox pushing simplified, limited political messages at me. I am asked to donate to candidates, sign petitions, listen to slanted poll questions and attend rallies. Believe this, hate that, donate, donate — a flood of mud and dramatic cries that only my dollar can prevent catastrophe.

Candidate views on issues I care about — like ending the drug war, reducing military spending, reducing fossil fuel dependence, improving education, and expanding Montana’s economy by farming hemp — are not evident. But they can be found.

• I checked my voter registration and sample ballot at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/ —then—

• Many candidates have a website with issue statements.

• I can ask a question on a candidate’s Facebook page.

• VoteSmart.org is an independent source of candidate biography and position information.

• Ballotpedia.org, too.

• Library computers and staff help are good.

I’m too busy to lead a local meeting, attend a rally, or volunteer for a phone bank.

But I will vote; it’s my most reliable political power.

• I will vote a mail ballot conveniently at home, see https://sosmt.gov/elections/absentee/.

A voter who drops off the application at the county election office can pick up the absentee ballot then.

We voters choose who represents us in Montana’s Legislature and who represents Montana in our Federal legislature. Voting is our most reliable way to guide our future and our children’s future.

Sincerely,

K.G.H. Nicholes

Martinsdale