Our Viewpoint: We get to have a choice in voting

There seem to be no shades of gray in the political landscape of the United States. You're either red or blue or right or wrong. There's not much compromise or debating when people have their minds made up so early in races.

I am one of those voters who loves absentee ballots. I like to think of myself as pretty well informed, given my profession, but sometimes there are statewide races for which I have no clue who either candidate is. In that situation, I like to Google the people, at the very least, and try to get some idea of what they stand for. I like being able to look up ballot initiatives, because we all know the wording can be very confusing on a ballot.

I am also one of those voters who would prefer one primary ballot. Never in my life have I voted all one way in an election. I don't like being restricted in primaries to only filling out one ballot. I want to vote for the candidate who I think will do the best job representing our city, county, state or country, no matter what their political party.

Many people are set in their opinion on who to vote for in the presidential election, and there are so many influences that many of them probably will never change their mind. But as I talk to residents at the Huckleberry Festival and other events throughout the county, there seems to be more curiosity about candidates on the local and state levels.

I will always be someone who votes for the person, not the party. I try to inform myself and make the best decision. I don't want to influence anyone and I don't want anyone to influence me. That's one of the great things about living in the United States is we have a choice.

­ — Annie Wooden

Editor's Note:

In the August 15 edition of The Ledger, a design mistake occurred with two articles. Photos covered up a portion of the article on the Plains school board story and the Plains City Council stories. Apologies to readers and to our reporter, Ed Moreth.

You can view the full articles for free at http://www.scledger.net.

Thank you for your understanding!

­ — Annie