To the editor:
The League of Women Voters of Brown County would like to thank all the candidates and members of the community who attended our candidate forums during the first week of October.
The League believes this opportunity to connect voters and candidates is a valuable part of the democratic process. Candidates answered questions from the audience, giving them a chance to hear what the community cares about. The audience had a chance to see candidates face to face and hear their thoughts on issues.
This type of forum is a time-honored American tradition of representative democracy. It also gives us a chance to meet with our neighbors to discuss local issues and concerns. We were pleased to see so many in the community turn out to have this conversation in these busy and sometimes contentious times.
If you missed the LWVBC candidate forums, you can listen on the Brown County government website: browncounty-in.gov/Home/PublicMeetings.aspx. Select the audio links for Oct. 2, 3 and 4.
We would to thank the many volunteers who helped make this event possible. Thanks to Pam Raider for a great job as moderator and Shari Frank for coordinating. Much appreciation to the Farm Bureau and the League who provided delicious snacks for all to enjoy. A special thanks also to the Brown County Democrat for partnering with the League to publicize local, state and federal candidate responses to questions provided by the League. You can still get a copy of the insert publication at The Democrat office or at the Brown County Public Library; or read candidate responses online at bcdemocrat.com/2018/10/01/special-publication-brown-county-fall-2018-election-guide.
And thank you to Heather Nicholson for extensive forum preparation; Clint Studebaker for playing audio technician, and who, along with JoAnne Himebaugh, Jan Swigert and Laurie Teal, helped facilitate questions, set up and tear down; and timekeepers extraordinaire JoAnne Himebaugh and Janet Kramer.
Finally, now, it’s up to you, the voter, to exercise another time-honored American tradition and get out and vote.
Election day is Nov. 6, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Early voting in person at the County Office Building is Oct. 10 to Nov. 4, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to noon; and Saturdays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Or call the Brown County clerk’s office to see if you qualify for an absentee ballot by mail; or for the disabled or homebound who need help voting, apply for an absentee ballot by traveling board to get assistance completing the ballot. Brown County clerk’s office: 812-988-5510.
If you want to practice using the voting machine, go into the clerk’s office in the courthouse during business hours to try it out.
When you go in person to vote, take your government-issued ID. If you have a problem with your ID, you may still be able to cast a provisional ballot and bring back required documentation within 10 days. If you have questions or need help, call the Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or the Brown County clerk’s office.
To get a sample ballot, apply for an absentee ballot, see where you vote, and see who and what are on your ballot, go to IndianaVoters.com on your phone or computer. To get information on state level candidates, check the LWV Indiana website, Vote411.com, as well as the candidates’ websites, and state and national organizations that rate candidates. For incumbent U.S. senators and congressional representatives, you can also learn about their voting record at govtrack.us.
If you care about schools, clean air, health care, roads and other decisions that affect your daily life, your vote matters.
Shari Frank, president, and Pam Raider, vice president, on behalf of the board of League of Women Voters of Brown County
