ELECTION: Consolidation alternative

I read Senator Souza’s reasoning for election consolidation in the May 18 Coeur d’Alene Press article “Dismal turnout rekindles bill talk.” With the big money, often outside money, that is spent on November elections, it is unwise to move our local elections to November. It would be prohibitively expensive for local candidates and, as mentioned in your article, would also lead to voter fatigue: too many candidates to research. With work and family schedules, it is already difficult to educate oneself adequately before making a wise voter decision.

What is needed is increased voter education — perhaps a voter pamphlet that gives candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves, with a brief profile, to our registered voters and non-registered potential voters. Yes, it would be costly but it would increase voter interest. I find that voting in the May election was challenging — information about the candidates is lacking. Researching them on the internet is not only frustrating due to lack of information but also requires sufficient connectivity. Relying solely on the local newspaper is not adequate as many do not subscribe. Legislators need to consider these ideas before pursuing moving all elections to November.

PATRICIA BEYER

Coeur d’Alene