Voters, today's your lucky day

Don’t let fear and anger define the Nov. 2 local election.

Let actual information be your guiding light. Yes, talk to friends and neighbors, co-workers, fellow worshippers and coffee pals about who they recommend and why. The people who can attest to what candidates have actually done versus what candidates say they’ll do are invaluable.

But we have two more resources as you settle down with your absentee ballot or make your plans to vote in person on Nov. 2.

One of them is included in today’s newspaper. It’s your voters guide, the largest guide we’ve ever published for a local election.

You’ll note that several candidates opted not to participate. We did our best to get questionnaires to every single candidate, so there’s some chance the failure to communicate is on our end. But it’s not likely, so keep in mind that when someone seeking your vote is a no-show in the voters guide, it’s fair to wonder what they want to hide from you.

The other resource is a mouthful. It’s called CEQEC: Citizens to Elect Qualified Experienced Candidates.

CEQEC was created earlier this year in response to the rise of extremism not just in our community, but across the state. It’s the antidote to radical elements on both the far left and the far right.

“If you are interested in preserving our quality of life, a strong business community and a place where all people are welcome, it’s time to engage,” the organization says in an email to civic leaders and other residents.

According to its website:

“CEQEC is a concerned citizen-based organization, made up of long-time residents and community leaders, created with the sole purpose of shedding light on specific candidates, races, initiatives, and important election issues. We are your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members.

“We are conservative in our approach but are a nonpartisan organization that advocates ensuring power and influence reside with the voters instead of special interest groups. We use a grassroots approach for messaging that resonates with every ideological spectrum, especially conservatives tired of the far-right agenda, to preserve our way of life, and protect North Idaho from unwelcomed extremism.”

If you’re thinking CEQEC was made to combat those who have hijacked the Republican Party in Kootenai County, you’re right. And the best way to do that is by ensuring voters have a much more complete picture of who’s running for office, knowing that voters will make the right choice when they have accurate information upon which to make decisions.

See for yourself. Talk to people you trust. Visit CEQEC at electqualifiedcandidates.com, read the voters guide in today’s Press and then feel confident that you’ll be casting an informed ballot, no matter who has won your support.