Last Minute Voting Tips, Recommendations

Remember the two most important factors when deciding how to vote:
1. Your own perspective
2. The powers, responsibilities, and limitations of the office being sought

For any race, voters should have a clear understanding of exactly what they want from an elected official, regardless of the position. When choosing someone to provide a service to you, it’s the service you require and want that must be well understood. You want candidates who share your philosophy, view of the facts, and your interests. Don’t let candidates attract you to their ideas, claims and interests. Pick the ones that come closest to you.

Make sure you understand what an office holder’s actual role, responsibilities and powers will actually be if elected. Ask yourself if a candidate’s promises are even possible in the office they are seeking. For example, if a candidate for an executive office like mayor or governor is promising tax cuts or specific reforms, it’s important to understand that he or she CANNOT PASS ANYTHING alone. Electing a governor, for example, who will face a legislature of the other party can be tricky. While it may create a useful check and balance, it will also render that gubernatorial candidate’s promises on taxes or other legislation effectively moot.

When voting for a legislator, state or federal, remember that this person will be one of many. Do not be fooled by legislative candidates who claim that they will bring change, or any specific policy achievements. Also, be wary of candidates for legislative office who simply offer empty rhetoric, like “a strong voice” or an “end to business as usual.” It is very important to match your general philosophy when choosing legislators, especially because legislatures are run by political parties, which are separated by general philosophy. In legislative elections, parties matter most. If you are liberal, don’t be fooled into voting for a conservative. If you are conservative, don’t be fooled into voting for a liberal.

Smart voters have a clear idea about the appropriate role of government. They also have at least a basic understanding of the way their local, state, and federal governments actually work. They are neither cynical, nor naïve. If you are not sure that you fit this description of a smart voter, YOU STILL HAVE TO VOTE! Either do your best, or find a friend who you trust and respect and take his or her cues. Cue voting is a perfectly rational approach to fulfilling your civic responsibility. Obviously, the hard part is choosing your trustee wisely.

Good luck.

P.S. My ballot choices: (offices not listed are those I have not looked at closely enough to recommend)

• No on all ballot questions
• Patrick/Murray for Governor/Lt. Gov.
• Candaras for State Senate
• Ashe for State Representative
• Mastroianni for District Attorney