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An electoral sermon: Vote The (Eugene) Register-Guard (October 24) With the November ballots arriving in Oregon mailboxes, it's time for our biennial sermon on the need for ... well, contemplation. The 2 million ballots that are arriving at homes across the state could well be intimidating for many voters. There are, count them, 26 state ballot measures alone, plus a variety of local measures. And, of course, there are the names of all those candidates seeking election or re-election. There are candidates for offices ranging from president of the United States down to Congress, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, the Legislature and, in many areas, local offices. Given the sheer length of the ballot, it just makes sense not to be in a rush to vote. There's plenty of time to put a completed ballot in the mail and have it arrive at the elections office by Nov. 7, the official Election Day. And a lot can happen in the multitude of contests on measures and candidates between now and Nov. 7. Back in the old days - before Oregonians began voting absentee in ever-increasing numbers and well before the onset of paid signature collectors bumped the number of ballot-eligible initiatives through the roof - the natural inclination of most voters who did vote absentee (i.e., by mail) was to mark and return their ballots almost on the day they arrived. That same inclination may be tugging at voters today. Resist it. Hang on to that ballot. Voters should take their time - and with this ballot, take a lot of time - going over and analyzing the candidates and issues. They should wait to see if any events or revelations emerge that need to be taken into consideration before making a final voting decision. There is a lot to ponder in this election, and it's important - no, vital - that voters make informed decisions. It doesn't hurt to wait before poking out those little cardboard squares and making choices. Delay doesn't mean inattention or indifference. It means weighing one's vote carefully. Visit our back issue library Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Western Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Corvallis Gazette-Times | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | | Ashland Daily Tidings | Gresham Outlook | Springfield News | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2000 Lee Northwest Publishing