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Be sure to educate yourself before you vote this November
Written by Trista Steers MacVittie   
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 00:00

Election day creeps closer as fall sets in, and it’s time for voters to do their homework.

Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 11, for the Tuesday, Nov. 6, election and those who will vote at the polls have just a few weeks to brush up on their candidates and propositions.

Sedona Red Rock News Managing Editor Trista Steers MacVittieIn the Oct. 3 issue of the Sedona Red Rock News, Assistant Managing Editor Christopher Fox Graham gave our readers a breakdown of the propositions that appear on the November ballot. In the Friday, Oct. 5, issue, he covered the candidates. In today's issue, Graham gives an in-depth look at Proposition 115.

 

The propositions are divided into three categories — constitutional amendments, citizens’ changes to statues and Legislature’s changes to statues.

Under each proposition Graham explains what the proposition will do if approved, a brief history of the proposition, and positions from supporters and opponents, often in less than three inches of text.

It’s our proposition voting for dummies of sorts aimed to satisfy our need to do the best we can to educate the public before it’s time to vote.

Once we’ve done our job, the rest is up to the voters.

If you’re going to vote, make sure you know what you’re voting for.

An uniformed voter aimlessly checking boxes is much more dangerous than a resident electing to leave a section blank because he or she isn’t familiar with the issue.

The easiest way to combat the problems of aimless voting or lack of participation — be informed.

It’s our duty as citizens of the United States and residents of Arizona to educate ourselves on the issues at hand and take an active role in the democratic process.

Obviously, not everyone chooses to be involved, and that’s their decision. However, when state laws and statutes don’t reflect those people’s values or beliefs they have only themselves to blame.

My motto has always been if you don’t vote, you can’t gripe.

So, at the very least, be sure to cast your ballot this election day to earn the right to complain if the state or country heads in what you consider the wrong direction.

 

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