The midterm elections are almost here! Tuesday, Nov. 3 is the big day. Sad that summer is leaving, but things may get hot again with election rhetoric. Early voting starts this Friday, Sept. 18.
At the local level, both Blacksburg and Narrows have competitive races for town council, and Radford has competitive races for city council and the school board. Referendums are on the ballot in Radford City, Giles County and Pulaski County for a sales tax to help with public school capital improvement projects and renovations. We will be learning what local voters think about spending money to help their schools.
At the state level we have three constitutional amendments. Two of them are about removing government involvement from personal decisions. Somewhat ironically, they are largely opposed by conservatives who typically criticize “big” government meddling in our lives. Amendment 1 secures a woman’s right to make decisions about her own pregnancy and health, and that health care professionals cannot be prosecuted for helping women with these decisions. Amendment 2 allows any two consenting adults to marry, without government restrictions on sex, gender or race. Amendment 1 secures a woman’s right to make decisions about her own pregnancy and health, and that health care professionals cannot be prosecuted for helping women with these decisions. Amendment 2 allows any two consenting adults to marry, without government restrictions on sex, gender or race.
Amendment 3 provides for convicted felons to have their right to vote restored upon completion of their period of incarceration.
At the national level, we will be voting for our members of Congress – the House of Representatives and the Senate. As the Republican Party now controls all levels of the federal government, it seems fair to evaluate its performance with respect to the condition of our country. The U.S. is spending tremendously on the military, particularly in support of the war in Iran. Stocks have risen greatly in value.
The cost of living and inflation continue to rise – as we all see at the gas pumps and at the grocery stores. Health care has been lost or become extremely expensive for many people – with much greater reductions scheduled to begin in January.
Many immigrants have been removed from the country and illegal border crossings have been greatly reduced. ICE agents have killed several U.S. citizens and shot and injured more, with many communities condemning their presence as unwelcome and unhelpful – and a federal intrusion over state and local rights.
Increased efforts have been made to impose tariffs on other countries’ products – including most recently on our friendly neighbor to the north. The federal government’s initial tariff system was found to be illegal, with the US now responsible for returning more than $150 billion. Time will tell as the more recently imposed tariffs are challenged in the courts – and if even more money will need to be returned.
The national debt has reached record levels and is continuing to rapidly increase – and we and our children will need to pay that back. Your vote for your congressional representatives will reflect if you are satisfied with current conditions and practices, or if you want change.
Early voting begins Sept. 18 and continues through October. Election offices all will be open for voting Monday through Friday, with operating hours varying among locations. Each site also has voting hours on two weekends – but not all on the same weekends (best to check your particular location for details).
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 23, although same day registration at the poll works too. Democracy works best when we are all informed voters, so learn all you can about the candidates and the issues – and see you at the polls!
