How to win my vote

With early voting for the May 18 primary now under way, it's time to get serious about choosing the candidates we plan to vote for.

I plan to take advantage of early voting this year, though in the past I've been a fan of the ritual of voting on the actual day of the election. But the simple fact is that it's far more convenient for me to run over to the Moore Center on Chickasawba to vote early than it will be to get all the way out to my Armorel precinct on Election Day — especially since my kids have ball games at the Aeroplex that night.

I'll probably take a few more days to mull over my options on the voting front. I've got my mind pretty well made up on most of the races, but there's still little bit of uncertainty in a couple of contests.

The good thing about this year's primary is that, for the most part, we've got a good crop of candidates to select from. As far as I can tell, each of the candidates on the campaign trail is a good person, and each wants to make this a better place to live.

I'll consider many factors before I vote — some of what I've learned, some of what I already knew. One thing that will make a big difference for me, though, is the degree to which each candidate seems to want my vote.

I'll admit straight up that any candidate running for office significantly increases the likelihood that they'll get my vote if they've purchased an ad in the Courier News. That may sound self-serving, and it probably is, a little.

But I'm also a strong believer that anyone who runs for public office must do so with a commitment to maintain strong lines of communication with those he or she seeks to serve. That's why I'd expect any serious candidate to have a strong presence in the local media, and specifically, with the only daily newspaper in the county.

It's about more than advertising, to be honest. Some candidates, since announcing their intention to seek office, have worked diligently to build a relationship with this newspaper. I respect that. It says to me that they are candidates who believe in an informed citizenry.

In contrast, other candidates have been complete strangers to the newspaper. I find that troubling. It suggests to me that they have little or no interest in keeping citizens informed. Perhaps they are communicating via other media outlets, which is OK. But when I go to the voting booth, I only have my own experience and observations to draw upon.

Beyond anything that has to do with the newspaper, I'm also more prone to vote for a candidate who has personally asked me for my vote. Like any other citizen, I'd like to have a conduit to those who serve in office. I'd like to think that my concerns are being heard. And there's nothing like a personal appeal to make you think this might happen.

I realize candidates for office have limited resources. They don't have the time to meet with every voter. They might not have the money to purchase a glitzy advertising campaign. But every candidate has at least a little bit of time; and every candidate spends at least a little bit of money.

So what I'm looking for is effort. Not only do I want to see candidates who are smart, honest and able — I want to see candidates who demonstrate that they care about my vote. I want to see candidates who demonstrate a knowledge of the role of the local media and its commitment to keeping citizens informed. I want to see candidates who have put forth the effort to demonstrate they understand what it means to truly serve the people.

That's what's going to make the difference for me when I head to the polls.