"Is it too Late to Become an Educated Voter?"

"Is it too Late to Become an Educated Voter?"
                              
                            Nov. 2, 1994

I think it's too late for voters to learn enough
about the candidates and the issues before election
day. And we are the poorer for it.

The average American knows more about the Simpson
trial than they do about individuals asking to
represent them.  Yet, the people we elect impact
our pocketbooks and regulate our lives.

Most of us select a person either by party, personality,
one key issue, or an outside influence (spouse, friend, celebrity).

We know little about the legislation to be introduced,
or how candidates will be voting.  And the legislation
is so complex even our representatives don't know all
the elements before passing news laws.

The media reports on negative ads, rather than presenting real differences between candidates. And the candidates become evasive when pressed to defend an unpopular vote.

The blame belongs to each of us. "We get the representation we deserve". This statement was never truer.

How do we fix it? By taking the election process as a serious exercise. Study the candidates and issues. See how
new legislation impacts you, your state and our country.

And once the election is over keep in touch with your legislators.  Let them know you care, are interested and will be an active citizen.

A bigger challenge is to overhaul Congressional rules.
Allow all votes to come to the floor and not stay bottled
in committee.  Provide a line item veto, change two-year Congressional terms to four years and allow legislation
to be put to a state or national vote.

Much needs to be done, but it has to start with us.

                                  
                                Anthony J. Bruno