Not voting for an unopposed candidate is still a valid vote

Dear Editor,

 With our general election day just around the corner, it is a good time to remind everyone of the importance of exercising your right to vote. 

 As a part of that reminder, please remember that you are not required to mark a box for an office if you do not want any of the candidates. Don’t vote for an unopposed candidate just because there is no other choice. Don’t vote on a ballot initiative that you know nothing about. Your ballot is still valid even if you do not mark a box for a position/candidate or ballot initiative. 

 If you are not confident there is a candidate that is right for the job, or if you do not know anything about the candidate or ballot initiative, do not mark the box. Not marking the box for a ballot initiative or a candidate is also voting. By not marking the box, you made a choice, which is your vote. 

 Our right to vote is important, and we should all be wise in our exercise of that right. Try to take the time to be informed before voting. But, if you are unsure, don’t vote for someone just because they are the only choice on the ballot or are someone you know nothing about. And don’t vote on a ballot initiative if you don’t fully understand it.

 I encourage all of you to exercise your right to vote, and vote wisely. 

Frank Schwartz

Cambridge, Idaho