Strategy for voting

Doing homework key part of the process

About two elections ago, I received a call from a close friend, a man in his early 40s who was voting for the first time. Due to a strange set of life circumstances, he had never participated in the process and was anxious to become a first-time voter.

But, he wanted to do it right.

“James, who voted to demolish the Pen-Hi auditorium?,” he asked, in reference to Penticton school board candidates.

His children were artistic and he wanted to vote against anyone who supported the demolition of the much-loved community structure.

The point is, there was an issue that was important to him (although long after-the-fact) and he was doing his homework.

Unfortunately, all voters don’t go to that same effort.

A common mistake everyone makes is that you don’t have to vote for eight on the council ballot or (in the case of Kelowna) four for the school board.

If there are only one or two that appeal to you, or, who you’re familiar with, vote for one or two.

It actually makes your vote more powerful because, in theory, one of your late picks could cancel out your top choice if the two were to go head-to-head for the final spot. (Don’t scowl, it actually happened in the 1970s in Penticton.)

Going with a recognizable name is fine, but only if you actually know something about the candidate. This is why incumbents are often re-elected time after time.

For mayor and council, take a moment to read material. The Herald will soon begin publishing daily questions. We also hosted three candidate forums (to listen visit: peachcityradio.org), with another on the way. Another consideration. If you don’t follow the school board, leave that part of the ballot blank. It won’t cancel out the other sections.

If, hypothetically, you don’t like any of the mayoral candidates, leave that section blank and just vote for the school board and council.

People often ask, “How do we get stuck with lousy public officials?”

It starts with voters not doing their homework.