EDITORIAL: Embrace the privilege, not the negative

Election Day is just around the corner and, for many, it feels like it can’t come soon enough. 

The energy surrounding this primary feels unusually high—arguably more so than some recent general elections, even those featuring presidential races. That may be because these local races hit closer to home. These aren’t distant figures we only see on television. They’re familiar names and faces—people we see at local events, in passing at the store, or through shared connections. When we know the candidates, the stakes feel more personal. 

How we navigate this is one of the tenets of the Great Experiment. The opportunity to elect, the respect of our voices, and the challenge of always trying to become better. 

It’s always striking that while we expect candidates to conduct themselves with a certain level of professionalism and respect, we don’t always hold ourselves to that same standard. In many cases, the sharpest comments and harshest criticisms don’t come from the candidates, but from those supporting them. 

Caring deeply about a candidate or an issue isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s one of the strengths of a healthy and engaged community. But passion doesn’t need to come at the expense of civility. Supporting someone shouldn’t require tearing someone else down. 

Too often, we fall into the habit of thinking that the best way to advocate is by pointing out the flaws of others. While contrast can be part of any election, it shouldn’t be the whole conversation. When criticism becomes the primary message, it removes the more meaningful information: a clear, positive vision of what we actually want for our community. 

At the local level, that distinction matters even more. The people on the ballot aren’t stepping forward for fame or fortune. They’re choosing to serve—often sacrificing time, energy, and privacy to try to make a difference. Regardless of where our support lies, that willingness alone deserves a level of respect. 

As voters, we have an opportunity to approach this process more thoughtfully. Instead of focusing solely on what divides us, we can take the time to evaluate each candidate on their ideas, their priorities, and how closely those align with our own values. And once we’ve made that decision, we can choose to express our support in ways that reflect the kind of community we want to live in. 

Because when the voting ends, the community remains. 

On Wednesday morning, we will still be neighbors. We will still share the same schools, streets, and local businesses. We will still want our community to thrive. The only difference is that we may not all agree on the best way to get there—and that’s okay. 

Differences in perspective are a natural part of any community. They don’t have to divide us if we approach them with a sense of respect and shared purpose.

As we head toward Election Day, it’s worth remembering that how we engage matters just as much as how we vote. And, above all, remember that what we get to do on May 19 is a privilege.