Be informed,be a voter

Do you want more security at local schools?

Should the Mat-Su Borough spend more money on local roads?

Should the Meadow Lakes and Big Lake fire service areas merge?

Should the Borough’s regulations regarding building power generation plants be repealed?

Important questions, all deserving informed answers from Valley residents. By sometime this evening, area voters will have decided these and other questions that will help guide our communities in the near and distant future. In addition to choosing new representation, voters finally have a chance today to say “yes” or “no” to these crucial issues that — figuratively and literally — will pave our future path.

As much of the local and national spotlight has been on Gov. Sarah Palin and her status as Republican vice presidential nominee, local voters have much to decide here at home. And while we also urge locals to exercise their privilege and vote, those casting ballots need to be educated on the issues.

Read the sample ballots and pay attention to the language. For example, the Mat-Su Borough School District is asking for the ability to issue bonds for an amount up to $19 million for security upgrades and other site improvements. Reading the ballot language, however, voters learn that the district is also eligible to be reimbursed 70 percent of these costs by the state.

Being educated on the issues is critical for the process of making good, collective decisions for ourselves and our communities. But it doesn’t add up to much if you don’t vote at all.

Historically, municipal elections generate dismal turnout numbers. While some general elections that include hot-button issues — like a presidential election — can mean huge voter turnouts, many voters choose not to participate in municipal balloting.

In the Mat-Su Borough, 20.6 percent of voters turned out in 2007, a significant dip from the 25.23 percent who turned out in 2006 and the 24.18 percent who cast votes in 2005.

While we’re confident Palin’s name on the Nov. 4 general election ballot could spur record local turnout (how often does one have the opportunity to vote on a presidential ticket that includes a hometown girl?), don’t forget about the important issues we will be deciding today as well.

Be informed, read the ballot language and vote.

Then, keep your eye on the Frontiersman online, www.frontiersman.com, after the polls close for results and reaction.