At times, we suspect, even the more plugged in members of our community - and we credit our readers as being among those - have sat with an election ballot in their hands on Election Day and said: "I wish I would have researched this race or proposition a little more."
It's not always easy to break away from our busy, daily routines to learn about the people who will represent us in public office, or the ballot issues that will affect our lives. But it's important.
In this space, we've consistently encouraged people to vote. It's your right and responsibility to make your voice heard. But if you cast an uninformed vote, it defeats the purpose.
That's why we would like to invite you to our candidate forums, which begin this week. It's a way for you to learn the positions, backgrounds and qualifications of area candidates who will be on the August primary ballot.
From 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, a forum at Blair Oaks Middle School will feature the Republican candidates for Missouri House District 59: Karen Leydens, Rudy Veit, Kendra Lane, Randy Dinwiddie and Rik Combs.
From 6-8 p.m. Thursday, three forums will be held at Jefferson City Hall. One will feature Democratic candidates for Missouri Senate District 6: Bryan Struebig, Nicole Thompson and Mollie Freebairn.
A second forum Thursday evening will feature Democratic candidates for Missouri House District 60: Kevin Nelson and Sara Michael.
A third forum will feature the Republican candidates in Missouri House District 60: Jane Beetem, Pat Rowe Kerr and Dave Griffith.
From 6-8 p.m. July 24, the forum at Jefferson City Hall will feature three contested Republican county races. Scheduled to appear at the forum are Mark Richardson and Locke Thompson, Republican candidates for prosecuting attorney; Ralph Bray and Judy Ridgeway, Republican candidates for recorder of deeds; and Cotton Walker and Tim Anderson, Republican candidates for associate circuit judge, Division III.
Have a question for the candidates? Submit it to [email protected].
In addition to the forums, we will continue to cover the races and publish a voter's guide on the Sunday before the election.
Educating yourself prior to election day is the best way to do your part to get the government representation that you want.
News Tribune