Local elections should not be overlooked

Now is the time to stop focusing on 2020 and devote some thought to the ballot voters will see at the polls Tuesday.

For months now there has been plenty of talk in the news about upcoming elections. Unfortunately, the races that are being discussed won’t take place for another year.

Now is the time to stop focusing on 2020 for a moment and instead devote some thought to the ballot voters will see at the polls Tuesday.

We fully understand that there’s tremendous interest in the races for the White House and control of Congress.

While it’s great to see so much passion regarding what’s going on in Washington, we must once again remind readers of the importance of local government. The government activities that affect people most take place right here.

On Tuesday voters will be deciding on their counties’ next set of county commissioners. These races feature challenges to incumbents and in some cases, a potential shift in power from one party to the other.

Also on the ballot are row offices such as county sheriff, recorder of deeds and clerk of courts.

These posts may not inspire much excitement, but it is in voters’ interest to ensure the right people are doing these important jobs.

Voters in Montgomery County also will elect three new judges from a field of six candidates.

Township supervisors, borough council members, school directors and other local officials also will be on the ballot. Their decisions affect each area resident’s quality of life and their pocketbooks.

There’s a question on the ballot concerning Marsy’s Law, a state constitutional amendment meant to ensure crime victims’ rights.

A legal dispute has called the matter into question, but amid the uncertainty it would be best for voters to cast their ballot just in case the referendum results are allowed to stand. We recognize that there will be plenty of unfamiliar names on the ballot, and we encourage readers to visit the websites of your local newspaper to learn more about local candidates.

When it comes to the statewide judicial candidates on the ballot, we offer the ratings of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Commission for voters’ information.

The committee is led by chairwoman Heidi B. Masano, a Berks County attorney.

The ratings are based on the candidates’ qualifications along with interviews with them and with individuals who have had professional or personal dealings with them.

Voters are to fill two seats on the state Superior Court and decide whether to retain two Commonwealth Court and two Superior Court judges.

For the vacant Superior Court seats, Daniel D. McCaffery is highly recommended, Megan McCarthy King and Christylee L. Peck are recommended, and Amanda Green-Hawkins is not recommended.

The bar association recommends voting in favor of all four judges up for retention this year: Superior Court Judges Anne E. Lazarus and Judith F. Olson and Commonwealth Court Judges P. Kevin Brobson and Patricia A. McCullough.

We recognize that the races on Tuesday’s ballot just don’t create the same level of excitement and passion that elections in even-numbered years do, but they are important.

Just 18% of eligible voters turned out for the May primaries that decided the nominees.

History tells us it’s likely only about one in four registered voters will show up to the polls Tuesday. We can do better.

Make your voice heard on important local issues and take advantage of the opportunity to become accustomed to new voting machines in a year when the polls are unlikely to be crowded.

Every vote counts, and every election counts, even in so-called off years.

History tells us it’s likely only about one in four registered voters will show up to the polls Tuesday. We can do better.