EDITORIAL: Your neighbors know who deserves support

When it comes to local elections, whose endorsements do you trust?

Readers often report that they appreciate letters to the editor endorsing candidates. Why? Because most of these letters are from people who know the candidate well — personally, professionally or both. 

Candidate endorsement letter writers must be Press subscribers. Publishing these letters is both a service to the community and a reward to those who faithfully keep up on local news. 

Press subscribers tend to have deeper roots here. They understand the landscape and what’s at stake with every election. Agree or disagree with them, but their opinions deserve consideration.

Candidates have until March 15 to file for the May 21 primary election. Here are the partisan races that will appear on Kootenai County ballots:

• Representative in Congress — First District (U.S. House of Representatives)

• One Idaho State Senate Seat in each Legislative District (Districts 2, 3, 4, 5)

• Two Idaho State Representative Seats in each Legislative District (Districts 2, 3, 4, 5)

• Kootenai County Commissioner — District 1 (2-year term)

• Kootenai County Commissioner — District 3 (4-year term)

• Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney

• Kootenai County Sheriff

• Precinct Committee Seats in each Voter Precinct

• All Non-Partisan Offices and Ballot Questions will also appear on each Partisan Ballot

And here are rules for submitting your candidate endorsement letter:

• You must have been a Press subscriber for at least 30 days prior to submitting your letter.

• Only one endorsement letter per writer is allowed. A letter can endorse one or more candidates.

• Letters must be 275 words or fewer.

• Letters must include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Only the name and city of residence will be published.

• Letters should be emailed to: letters@cdapress.com 

The more information voters have about local candidates, the greater the likelihood that the most qualified candidates will succeed. And that should be the goal for everyone.