A controversial endorsement —  we support voting

Just about every election season somebody asks, “Why doesn’t the paper doesn’t make endorsements?” and my reply is usually that “We do, we endorse voting.”

This year, there are actually two legitimate and passionate candidates running for Jacob Gunther’s vacant assembly seat.

Aileen Gunther is a caring and capable candidate seeking to carry on in her husband’s former seat. She would be a hard-working, personally involved advocate for the constituents of her district.

Alan Sorensen is just about as qualified as a candidate can be, at least one who has never run for office before. He works a tireless schedule and his resume includes roles in creating much of Sullivan County’s new growth.

What is even more refreshing about these two candidates is that neither one has the campaign polish of someone who been running for elected office since high school. When you ask them questions, they give you candid answers.

That can be confusing for voters accustomed to listening to ambiguous pabulum and attack advertisements.

With these two, you really need to listen because they won’t necessarily say what you might expect them to say. These candidates, in fact all of the ballot candidates in next Tuesday’s elections, deserve your attention.

Whether from Pike or Orange, Delaware or Wayne, all have gone to the trouble of sorting through election law, gathering nominating petitions, putting themselves up for measure at caucuses, spending time and money on those silly buttons and annoying signs…all to capture your attention long enough to get you to register a vote.

Endorsing voting these days seems to be a lot more radical notion than supporting a particular candidate. Despite multiple arenas and modes for the registration of new voters, people are stilling staying away in droves. And do you know what? There’s no excuse for it.

Especially in our small towns around here. Many of the political party people, candidates, and other officials, who aren’t even on the ballot, make a point of helping anyone who needs a ride or assistance to get to the polls.

For those who simply can’t or won’t leave their homes, there are absentee ballots. If you can deal with the post office, you can vote.

So, if you are “an elector in good standing” and registered to vote in your community, there are a number of people ready and waiting for your decision. They’ve done their part, so next Tuesday go out to the polls and do yours. When you vote, someone wins and someone loses, but if you don’t vote, we all lose.

David Hulse, News Editor