On the other hand, the voter is already familiar enough with the candidates do we need the campaign?
Iowa Governor Chet Culver said this in a press release issued Oct. 4: “Instead of just one Election Day, Iowa has a 41-day election period during which voters can make their voices heard. You can raise your voice by voting early today.”
On the Republican side, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey urged the same thing while in Tama County on Sept. 23, the first day early voting was allowed this year, urging voters to cast their ballot early.
If you do cast your ballot early :
•Your choice can’t be changed if the candidate announces in favor of an issue you oppose.
•If there is a new development which requires a stance and your candidate doesn’t share yours or doesn’t have one, sorry, your vote has already been tabulated.
•You change your mind about a candidate, a judge or an issue on the ballot.
Now the temptation is there for some to block out the whole campaign season, but in doing so are you acting as a responsible and informed citizen?
If Iowa were Chicago, the old adage’ vote early and vote often might apply.’
Iowa isn’t, and unless you’re headed out of town on Nov. 2, you might be well served to keep your options open and tradition alive and vote that day.
-J. Speer
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