Published: May 02, 2008 11:06 am            

Campaign trail leads to PVHS Candidates converge to educate new voters

With spring fever raging and the end of the school year in sight, the last thing PikeView High School Seniors likely wanted was more homework. But, they got the critical assignment anyway Tuesday, courtesy of a whole handful of hopeful lawmakers, magistrates, commissioners and more.

When a capacity crowd of candidates converged on PVHS for the first-ever school campaign session created to educate brand new voters, the list of issues on their diverse agendas were as varied as the fashion senses of the audience.

One by one, the potential officeholders stepped to the podium, reviewed their qualifications and called for support to reach the lofty goal of public servant picked by peers. Gas taxes, long bus rides, shorter classes, updated technology and increased jobs all made the list of issues up for discussion.

But, there was one familiar refrain that each and every candidate applauded: Voting is a powerful privilege best exercised after education on the candidates.

While County Commission candidate Stephen Akers reminded students to appreciate the privilege as much as the right to vote, State Sen. Don Caruth urged them to study before they pick the final answer inside the voting booth.

“With your right to vote comes the obligation ... to know who you’re voting for,” he said. “Study, do your homework and know who you’re voting for.”

We couldn’t agree more.

We’re dismayed by the low turnouts County Commission candidate Bob Carter cited, indicating only approximately one-third of registered voters cast ballots in West Virginia’s most recent elections. We also know that anyone who walks into a voting booth and pushes a button without knowing the names on the ballot or the things they stand for wields a dangerous weapon in a democracy built on majority rule.

House District 24 candidate Blaine Braithwaite, of Bluefield, told the newly registered voters to remember, “Life is nothing more than a series of choices.”

These young adults will soon get the chance to make decisions that will shape our country for the next four years, the next few decades and likely even the next generation, as they take part what has been argued will be the most revolutionary election in this one.

They aren’t the only ones who need to do their homework, though. Each and every one of us who want a hand in shaping our towns, our state and our nation need to study up on the candidates and the actions they intend to take if our votes send them to a seat inside a public office.

“You have the power to make a difference,” Charlie Poe, who’s running for magistrate, said. “Make sure you do that.”

“It’s literally in your hands — your future,” House hopeful and retired Judge John Frazier reminded the audience.

And, on each hand rests the strongest tools Americans could ever put to use — the fingers we use to cast our votes, make our voices count and shape our world.

“That’s real power,” Carter said.

It’s also a real privilege, a right many have fought and died for and an awesome responsibility.

It’s a test on which we could never guarantee the correct answers with complete certainty, but a little time studying improves the odds of any educated guess.

Though none of our ballots will return to shame us with big, red F’s marked on the upper corner, our future will carry the mark of our decisions long after a grade can be forgotten.

This assignment is almost due. West Virginia’s primary election is May 13, and early voting is already under way.

        

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