In every election cycle, there are candidates who understand that running for office is about more than putting a name on a ballot. It is about communicating with the public, respecting voters’ time, and recognizing that informed citizens select better leaders and make stronger communities. Those candidates deserve recognition.
Across our distribution areas we have a total of 23 political candidates for State House and State Senate — we attempted to contact each one for a voter’s guide. Five candidates have responded with answers — House District 29 candidate Brian Jackson, House District 32 candidate Jim Shaw, House District 33 candidate Max Burchett Jr., and House District 66 candidate Kenneth Blevins as well as Senate District 10 candidate Chayelynn Moore. Each candidate was informed if we had answers by May 15 we could publish before the voter registration deadline on May 22.
In no way is this about endorsing any given candidate for any given reason but there is a certain level of appreciation that is earned by those working for a weekly newspaper for a timely submission of information. So, a brief thank you to those who took the time to submit their political profile information ahead of the voter registration deadline.
While campaigns are busy and schedules are demanding, these candidates understood the importance of making themselves accessible to voters in a timely manner. Their willingness to answer questions, share their priorities, and participate in the public conversation reflects a level of professionalism and respect that should not go unnoticed.
However, for full disclosure purposes it should be noted each candidate was given a hard deadline of June 3 so there is still time for candidates to take advantage of this particular opportunity to be included in the voter’s guide.
That being said, for many voters local elections can already feel difficult to navigate — unlike national races that dominate headlines and social media feeds, local contests often require citizens to actively seek out information. When candidates provide profiles, biographies, and policy positions early they help bridge an ever expanding gap making it easier for voters to engage thoughtfully within the election process. They give voters something to rely beyond yard signs, rumors, and last-minute campaigning. Candidates should be taking every step and pursuing every avenue to inform as many vested individuals as possible if they truly want informed constituents. If they want to know they were chosen by the people, for the people then they should be making sure as many people know who and what they stand for as possible.
Unfortunately, not every candidate shares that same sense of urgency.
It can be frustrating when requests for information go unanswered with deadlines clearly communicated and ample opportunities provided equally to all candidates. We as a local, community newspaper are not asking for these profiles for our benefit — we ask on behalf of the voters. When candidates decline to participate or choose to wait until the final hour — if they respond at all — it limits the public’s ability to make informed decisions.
Voters deserve transparency. They deserve to know who is asking for their trust and why. Providing basic background information and campaign priorities should not feel optional for those seeking public office. Each candidate should make it a priority to ensure they can be questioned easily and respond quickly. Campaign websites are great but not everyone knows that oksenate.com or vote4.org exist. Social media is clogged with political candidate pages and is becoming more difficult to navigate every day. Most search engines and algorithms are going to show voters what it expects them to WANT to see not what they NEED to know. Some of what they need to know like a new visionary who recently made their political debut and is focused on nonhot button issues is going to be found on page 6 of the Google search — and how many people are going that far into their searches for anything these days. If your presence online is your sole focus you may be in for a hard election cycle.
Tothosecandidateswhoparticipated promptly and willingly, thank you. Your cooperation helps strengthen local journalism, encourages civic engagement, and most importantly, serves the people you hope to represent. Your efforts demonstrate that you value an informed electorate and that matters. As election season continues we encourage all candidates to remember that accessibility and communication are not campaign extras they are the very essence of what you are campaigning for — public service.