When I think back on our local election last November, two things come to mind: negative politics and abysmal voter turnout.

Anyone can throw mud. It is the exceptional candidate who prioritizes and focuses on issues that affect their constituency. A true leader exhibits strength and moral character by always conducting a positive campaign. This is not always the easiest path, but surely the most professional. In so doing, he or she becomes an unquestionable role model for us all. We don’t always have a choice but if given one, especially in the important state and national elections ahead, do you want to be represented by someone who is merely focused on winning or someone intent on doing the right thing? Additionally, the responsibility for staying above the mud slinging falls to each and every one of us. Open and heated debates are healthy (in whatever forum), provided the dialogue remains on the issues. Attacking anyone personally is not useful or appropriate and serves no meaningful purpose. Enough said on this topic.

The Nov. 4, 2003, election results for North Bend, as published by King County, state that of the 2,531 registered voters, 1,303 ballots were cast. Voter turnout was 51.48 percent. At first blush this may not seem too bad, not great, but respectable considering this was an off-year election. However, according to the U.S. Census 2000, the population of North Bend is 4,746 (that number is probably low today). So, dividing this gross number by the 1,303 votes cast, voter turnout becomes 27 percent.

However, not everyone is entitled to vote. The criteria for being “eligible” to vote are age (you must be 18 or older) and citizenship (U.S.). If you qualify as an eligible voter, the last requirement is registration. Most every state requires voters to first register before they actually can vote. Going back to North Bend statistics, 3,452 people out of the 4,746 were 18 years and older. Let’s assume for a moment they are all U.S. citizens. If you do the math again, the voter turnout compared against the total eligible voter population for the city of North Bend was actually only 38 percent!

Compare our election results to the 2000 presidential election numbers. Now keep in mind that both voting and registration have historically been higher in years when there has been a presidential election, so these numbers represent our country’s best effort. In 2000, 203 million people were 18 or older, and 186 million were citizens and 130 million were registered. In the election, 111 million people voted so the voting rate for the 18 or older population was 55 percent; for the citizen population it was 60 percent; and we hit a whopping 86 percent for the registered voters.

Our 51 percent and 38 percent numbers don’t look so good anymore, do they? Now, also consider that we are a small community and our candidates are our neighbors. We see these folks regularly at the market or around town. Our numbers should be higher because they are people we know, directly or indirectly.

As the numbers reflect, more people in this country get off the couch and vote for president. The sad irony is that the president has the least impact on our daily lives as citizens. At what level of government are the best and most relevant decisions about what’s good for the citizens of our states and communities made? It is at the level that is closest to the people who will be most affected.

Everyone is affected by the decisions made at the local level. Do you pay local taxes? Do you expect police or fire protection in an emergency? Do you want local ball fields for your kid’s Little League? Do you depend on water everyday? Do you want violent sexual offenders in our community? Do you want new restaurants in town?

Every citizen over the age of 18 is entitled to cast a vote. It is a right we take for granted, one that defines our nation as a democracy. If enough people stop voting, our democracy will cease to be democratic. Remember that universal suffrage, the ability to vote by most all, did not appear overnight with the ratification of our Constitution. Two hundred years ago you had to be white, male and wealthy in order to vote. Passionate individuals fought so that you and I could vote today. I feel privileged to have this as my right and I am teaching my young son these lessons each election.

Next time you have a local gripe or complaint, consider whether you voted. If yes, then I salute you and say go talk about it with your locally elected official(s). If no, my advice … shut up and get with the program.