County must do more to inform voters of candidates, issues

Dear editor:

Do you ever feel lost when deciding who to vote for or what side of the issue is right? How does one figure out when, where, what, how, and who to vote for?

I don't get the paper and the voting offices in Idaho don't send notice to the voters as to when, where, what, how, and who of voting where I live. Local newspapers are biased and do not publish sufficient data on people or issues for a body to make a truly informed decision in time to vote. Nor do the papers provide data on where and when I go to vote.

I see signs all over with people's names on them. Who are these people? Do they have criminal records, DUIs, and what do they stand for? Will they represent me? (In most cases this answer is an unfortunate no.)

One county I lived in when I was a kid sent official notices to every voter they could identify. The notice included a sample ballot, minimal information on candidates and issues, and told you where and when to go to vote.

Why doesn't Elmore County do something like this? They ought to be liable for failing to officially notify voters in writing. It appears officials do not want the electorate to know about voting times, places, and issues. They want to keep voters in the dark and keep as many of us from voting as possible! Also, why does every taxing district schedule and have a separate time to vote?

If all voting within the county were consolidated and held at the same time and place wouldn't more voters be able to respond with their support? Wouldn't it save thousands of dollars? (Yes!)

Most people I know lead busy lives just trying to raise children and provide for their families. Staying a step ahead of the bills is challenging enough. Add to that the struggle to research the necessary information required to make an intelligent informed decision at voting time. This situation is not good. Giving it your best guess will lead to tragedy. This makes it impossible for many to vote.

I call on county officials to establish a voting office that meets these needs. Or, perhaps improve on the existing office. I'd be willing to volunteer some time and I'm certain others would volunteer too. Aren't our communities ours? Or do they only belong to bureaucratic leaders?

We all must take part!

Ed Nola