EDITORIAL: Let's do our homework before voting

Do your homework. 

That’s the mantra we would like to repeat as Election Day draws near, less than two weeks away. Who is in office impacts you more than you might think.

By now, you likely know who will get your vote Nov. 4. You also likely have a number of factors that influence your vote, such as experience, past voting records if it’s someone in office already, and party affiliation. Perhaps what most concerns you is a candidate’s stance on property taxes, short-term rentals, how to deal with a lack of affordable housing or what to do about traffic. 

There were a few candidate forums, which were excellent, but those have come and gone. We hope you made it to one.

So how can you learn about candidates from an objective source in these final days? 

We have you covered.

We encourage you to visit The Press website, click on All Sections, and scroll down to Meet The Candidates. There, you will find interviews conducted at The Press with candidates for city council in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls and Rathdrum; mayoral races in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, and school board seats in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. You can hear directly from the candidates on a number of issues and learn where they stand and why. This is doing the kind of homework we are talking about. It's not too demanding and well worth your time.

The Press also published a Voter’s Guide on Oct. 10 that contains information about candidates that may influence your vote. Of particular importance could be answers to the question, “What is the No. 1 issue you believe you can help solve?” You will come across solid insights.

The Voter’s Guide is available at The Press front lobby. 

We appreciate and thank candidates who are running for office. Each offers qualities and attributes that will serve their communities well. As we have said, it takes courage and commitment to put your name on the ballot. To ask people to vote for you so you can represent them requires strength and sacrifice. Candidates deserve respect, even if you disagree with them.

Soon, it will be up to the people to do their part and vote Nov. 4. Like others, we would love to see a large turnout. We hope that everyone makes their vote count. 

But please, do a little homework first. We hope to see the best people in office.