Do your homework, and don’t believe the hype. With one week of campaigning left before next Tuesday’s elections, that might be the best advice for voters who are trying to decide which candidates to support in the Nov. 6 municipal elections. Even when the nation’s attention isn’t diverted by terrorist attacks or a comatose economy, off-year elections often generate little enthusiasm or interest among voters. That’s unfortunate, because the decisions made by local officials most directly affect the communities where we live. Whether it’s solving East Spencer’s financial problems or following through with the agreement that will pipe Salisbury’s water to South Rowan, the quality of local leadership plays a vital role in determining our quality of life — now and in the future.
As citizens weigh their options in the coming days, here are some suggestions from the League of Women Voters that can help you distinguish substance from contrived image, and separate fact from campaign rhetoric.
- Scrutinize campaign information. Whether a pitch comes over the airwaves, through a newspaper advertisement, a direct mail brochure or a pamphlet left on your windshield, look for substantive information about the candidate’s qualifications for office and specific solutions to problems. Read and listen critically. Does a statement tell you more about the candidate’s devotion to family than about stands on growth or municipal services? Do a candidate’s appeals seem targeted more toward your emotions rather than your intellect? Look for facts. Don’t be swayed by bombast or manipulative techniques.
- Spot phony issues. Be suspicious of politicians who offer only vague generalities about their plans. It’s easy, for instance, for a candidate to promise greater efficiency in government. It’s much harder — and more important — for candidates to cite specific areas where they’ll cut expenses — or scale back services. Similarly, be skeptical of candidates who play the blame game and accuse their
opponent(s) of being the cause of major problems. Incumbents are often accused of causing all the problems of the world. Ask yourself whether the candidate was really in a position to solve the problem in question.
- Recognize distortion tactics. These can range from name-calling — labeling an opposing candidate as “wishy-washy,” too “conservative”or too “liberal” — to rumor-mongering that verges on slander. Be wary of loaded statements that make unfair implications. “I oppose wasteful spending” doesn’t say much, but it does imply that a candidate’s opponent favors government waste. Such loaded statements are an easy way to distort the facts.
Finally, remember that the way candidates campaign is an important clue to how they’ll govern, if elected. Candidates who are accessible, who provide straightforward answers and offer issue-oriented platforms are likely to be accessible, responsive and forthright if elected. The more that voters educate themselves on the candidates and issues, the more likely they are to put competent and responsible politicians in office.
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