How you can help get out the vote

Kootenai County elections workers are going to have a long, hectic day Nov. 3.

That’s because they’re going to be darn near overwhelmed by 76.5 percent turnout, unprecedented in the history of local elections.

We write that while laughing and shaking our heads, because voter turnout is more likely to be a third of 76.5 percent. However, we didn’t just dream that number up. According to a recent cdapress.com poll, 76.5 percent of participants said they vote in every/most elections. Righhhhhht.

Here’s how the vote shook out when readers were asked, “What keeps you from voting?”:

• I’m not registered, 14 votes (1.4 percent)

• Too much negativity in the process, 80 votes (7.9 percent)

• It doesn’t make a difference, 143 votes (14.2 percent)

• I vote in every/most elections, 771 votes (76.5 percent)

Now that we’ve gotten today’s political humor out of the way, let’s talk about reality. One of the ways to increase voter participation is to encourage it, which is why we’re writing this editorial and asking you to do something similar.

Absentee voting is going on right now, and in just over two weeks, polls will open across Kootenai County for city and fire district elections. The Press will publish profiles on candidates in the contested races during the week of Oct. 26-30, but until then, we’re seeking your endorsement letters for those whom you consider worthy of holding elected office.

Candidate endorsement letters should be submitted to The Press no later than Oct. 26. Writers may submit only one letter per election cycle, but can endorse as many candidates as they wish in that one letter. Letters will not be accepted if they’re longer than 275 words.

Share with up to 60,000 readers why you think your favorite candidate should be elected, and email it to editor Mike Patrick: mpatrick@cdapress.com. You can also drop off your letter at The Press, 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene, or mail it to the newspaper. The zip code is 83814.

Maybe 76.5 is unrealistic, but the more participation we’ve got, the better the chances we’ll be represented by individuals most qualified to lead.