As we get closer to election day, media coverage of national politics is getting more intense. As November approaches, the circus of national politics continues on in full force.

In listening to people talk about the year in politics, I often hear frustration, confusion and apathy. Regardless of their political views, many of the people I know are discouraged by 2016 election. I felt some of that too, until I went to last week’s candidate forum in Snoqualmie.

The Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce held a candidate forum last Wednesday to give the candidates for the fifth district senate and house a chance to meet with the people of the Valley and share their thoughts on many of the issues of importance coming up in 2017.

The forum reminded me that, despite not being as well publicized as the presidential election, state and local politics are incredibly important and far too many people don’t pay attention to them. Even under one or two minute time restrictions for each question, the candidates spoke intelligently about the issues at hand.

As I walked back to my car after the forum, I felt a renewed interest in the election and was happy to be reminded that even in the face of the sometimes cartoonish portrayal of politics in the media, there are real people who care about the issues in our district and are trying to help make a difference.

This November, more than just a presidential election will be on the ballot. Research the local candidates, learn about their stances on the issues facing King County and the state of Washington and make an informed decision.

There will also be important propositions on the ballot, the city of Snoqualmie has a public safety levy on the ballot that would fund new police officers and a new firefighter. The city of Duvall has a levy lid lift to fund improvements to Big Rock Ballfields, employ a full-time school resource officer and make IT system improvements.

Voting is one of the most important aspects of citizenship we have. I became an American citizen in 2014 and this will be the first national election I vote in. I hope that people will take the time to research, question what they believe, develop their own opinions and vote.