By Therese Lewandowski
There are some great tips found online for picking a candidate. With the number of candidates running for this Special Election primary, it may be helpful to consider these suggestions.
When judging a candidate, consider the issues they stand for, how that affects you and your community. Take a look at their leadership qualities, not just whether they’ve held political office in the past but think about their honesty and ability to communicate; do they seem to care about the community they live in, have they been involved in their community?
Slogans and images on campaign material do not have much substance as they are designed to catch your attention on an emotional level. Negative remarks about their opponents do the same and may even distort the facts. Be cautious of name-calling, blaming and rumor-mongering. These tactics say little about what the candidate can actually do. Sort through their campaign promises — are they realistic?
Most candidates have websites that list their positions on issues. You could start by making a list of your top choices with the issues they support that you care about. Maybe ask trusted friends and family members their opinions on these candidates. Find out who is endorsing the candidate. Often times those endorsements are tied to campaign contributions.
In the next KPV tidbit we will consider polls, debates and forums and how to rate them.
The deadline to be a registered voter and update your mailing address is May 12. Go to myvoterinformation.alaska.gov. Or, visit your local Legislative Information Office. You can track your mailed ballot by signing up at the state site, https://alaska.ballottrax.net/voter/.
The list of the 48 candidates is found at www.elections.alaska.gov.
Remember, your vote does count and your voice does matter.
Therese Lewandowski is a member of Kenai Peninsula Votes.
