A Candidate's Place Is NOT In Front Of The Polls

As I proceeded to perform my civic duty this morning by voting, I was faced with the usual “local candidate gauntlet line”.

There they stand, shoulder-to-shoulder, next to their opponent. Candidates for the State Senate, the State House, The City Council, School Board and County Commissioner. Each of them eager to “greet” you as you enter to vote.

What do they think they are doing?

Well, they’re hoping that you still haven’t made up your mind as you are actually going in to cast your ballot. They are hoping that the very act of your seeing their face, shaking their hand or taking their stickers will sway you from whatever choice you were about to make.

If you’re going to the polls without a clue as to whom you will vote for, please do us all a favor and stay HOME. I will admit not knowing all of the candidates or their “stands” for some of the local offices, but I usually leave them blank. I know some folks who simply vote the party line for races they’re not knowledgeable about. Others pick people they personally know, even if that person would punch out Santa Claus. “Yeah, he may be an S.O.B., but at least I could get him on the phone if the city doesn’t plow my street!” One candidate for office in my neighborhood actually had the gall to paste mini-election “vote for me” stickers on Halloween candy that landed in my son’s Trick or Treat bag! Scratch THAT guy from my list!

While candidates are NOT allowed INSIDE the polling place, they are permitted to prowl around outside, shamelessly asking for your “support”.

Please.

While I hope the vast majority are truly concerned about our taxes, our schools or another issue that propels them to seek office, I fear that a great many are merely on an ego-trip, the first step toward a local political career. For those just looking for a feather to place in their proverbial resume’ cap, I say, shame on you! I can sniff out some of you (because it’s THAT obvious)—others are sneakier. Their lack of true purpose will show up in missed votes in session and unreturned calls to constituents.

I think that we as voters get PLENTY of exposure to the candidates, their platforms and their annoying commercials and lawn signs. On Election Day, the only reason a candidate should go to the polls is the same reason we do….to VOTE.

And that’s it!