League of Women Voters should inform voters more thoroughly
The League of Women Voters conducts a state-wide candidates survey. All that really needs to be known about those seeking re-election — such as Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Chris Van Hollen, Elijah Cummings, etc. — are their voting records.
The proper question to ask is if they now dissent from any of their votes, and why. If the candidates have held office before, their voting record should be displayed. Only the new candidates — those that have not held that office before — should receive the questions the league is asking, such as www.lwvcalvert.org/resources/Documents/2016%20VG%20 for%20Primary%20Election.pdf. The voting records should be explained in an easy-to-understand format, citing the legislation number, title and a brief description of it. They should also be asked if they disagreed with any executive orders, and why not take action against them?
The league asks far too much of would-be officers, of those considering opening chapters in their county. It’s suppression — suppression of those willing to take action to elect those that would serve their community well. It should be sufficient that officers can just recuse themselves from certain functions, if, indeed, it is a conflict of interest.
What the voters guide should look like is questions for the new candidates and an easy-to-read voting record, and explanation of the voting record for other candidates. No, not their whole entire record from when they’ve been in office, but say a minimum of five and maximum of 15 subjects that are important to Marylanders and how they’ve voted on them and what the vote means, what it does. It should also include a list of legislation they’ve sponsored plus a layout of committee votes or votes they’ve taken in committee. Why is asking the candidates philosophical questions more important than their voting record that impacts Marylanders?
If the league wishes to put this together, as long as it is completed by the middle of October, it can still be used. Absolutely, the work the league does is appreciated and welcome. They make a diligent attempt to reach all candidates for the survey.
It would be nice if Democrats had minimum qualification requirements for their candidates, above and beyond what is in election law, so that assumptions could be made about Democratic candidates, just because they’re Democrat. You would think that this could just be changed by having a change in the Democrat Party bylaws, but no, it must be changed through election law.
On another note, go ahead and request an absentee ballot, even if you intend to vote early or on Election Day. The ballot can be a backup in case you can’t make it to the polls, but it must be mailed or turned in on time. Please make sure to have the street address of the Election Board if not using the postal service.
Happy Constitution Day. Melissa Davis, La Plata