From Deseret News archives:
Voting is vital even if you're sick of political ads
The political landscape there felt a bit like the land of disenchantment, however. It was July and there were already televised political advertisements by candidates for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District, incumbent Republican Heather Wilson and Democrat Patricia Madrid, who is New Mexico's Attorney General. At first, I thought they were embroiled in a nasty primary election. Nope. They were running hard four months before the general election. The race, according to national newspaper accounts, is one of the hottest nationwide.
As my neighborhood becomes littered with lawn signs and campaign brochures pack our mail box this time of year, I have to remind myself of the relative brevity of Utah's campaign season. It's not as though we've been listening to this haranguing for months on end. And I remind myself how important it is that we get to choose our leaders.
My editor, Jay Evensen, and his family, hosted her during her stay. On what the Evensens considered a routine trip to the grocery store, Mirjana was overwhelmed by the selection of brand-named products. She queried how Americans knew which products to select. Jay explained the concept of advertising, which fascinated her.
Whether we're purchasing toothpaste or voting for our respective school board member, we Americans tend to take choice for granted. Too few of us cast informed ballots. Too few of us vote, period. It's shameful when you think about it.
If you think it doesn't matter or you're just sick of the campaigning by the time Nov. 7 rolls around, think of the many people around the world who have no choice. They live in places such as North Korea and the Middle East. Even Britons don't directly choose their prime minister. That decision is reserved for Labor Party members, trade unionists and others affiliated to the party an electorate of less than 1 million registered voters from a total of 44.2 million.
Comments
- National news briefs 8:20 p.m.
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full 8:19 p.m.
- 'Tweeters' to report on shuttle launch 8:18 p.m.
- Obama urges tough stance on Iran 8:18 p.m.
- Burned food sets off kitchen fire 8:06 p.m.
- Teams working to rescue lost hikers 8:06 p.m.
- Wounded Utes limp home 7:55 p.m.
- Kozlov leads Thrashers past Oilers 7:52 p.m.
- Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons 7:49 p.m.
- Patriots, Colts tied after 1st quarter 7:28 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
363 - BYU happy to escape with victory
228 - TCU creams U.
221 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
203 - Will state consider gay rights law?
149 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
133 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
131 - RSL heads to MLS title game
123 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Celtics crush Jazz
104
Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
To Loose Moose, Um, let's see, BYU 7, TCU 38 on your home turf, with a...
It must have been cold there in our shadows Coog fans. And to think we...
TCU beat us. They are a better team this year. They beat BYU. They are a...
Isee today that BYU is 19 Utah is 22. HUH...what do you think of that?...
There are way too many cynical people who comment on these articles. Take...
How about we "restore" all of the sales tax and other exemptions given to...
I agree with you to a certain point. In most years, those teams are good....
If it is this bad for Medicare and I suppose Medicade is about the same, what...
gotta love the support for this team in utah.. I wish i coulda been there...
BYU 19---------Utah 22........HUH It says something to me. No you...


You can be the first to comment on this story.