During the course of many weeks while door-knocking for candidates I support, I encountered the entire range of voters.  Some were engaged, paying attention and asking questions, too many had no interest in the election or politics or seemingly have fallen into negative voting habits that only contribute to perpetuating the problems we face with government. Misinformed or uninformed voters may vote solely based upon the letters they associate with candidate's names, or they may vote for candidates because their cousin used to work for a guy who dated a candidate's sister, or they choose candidates based upon personality, an ability to clock feel-good community service hours, or those who can deliver smooth velvety speeches lacking in factual basis.

 

Informed voters base their decisions on substance.  They've attended meetings or viewed meetings online.  They don't rely solely upon the media to shape their opinions. They attempt to gather facts or at least turn to other knowledgeable people who can help point them to relevant information. They don’t just trust what others say, they find out for themselves.  They watch their elected representatives in meetings, have knowledge of the types of decisions made, and they seek representatives who will openly communicate with all citizens, not just special interest groups.

 

Pocatello needs to choose its leaders wisely on November 2, 2021. The consequences of those decisions will have a long-lasting impact upon our community. I am confident in the candidates I have chosen.  Are you?

 

Heather Disselkoen,

Pocatello