Listen, ask before you cast that vote

The Mat-Su can be a pretty politically charged place. Judging by the raft of comments that accompany our stories published online, Valley residents aren’t shy about speaking up to defend their beliefs.

This is healthy; an excellent example of exercising the freedom of speech we all enjoy without fear of physical reprisal. With such a generous sharing of political banter, it’s difficult to understand why, when given a chance, many of these same outspoken critics don’t avail themselves of the most direct sources — candidates.

On Thursday, the Greater Palmer and Greater Wasilla chambers of commerce will host the fourth in its series of summer forums and debates leading up to next month’s primary.

What’s perplexing is how few local people have been attending these political events, which have been informative and, at times, eye-opening. Perhaps folks have been relying on our coverage to inform them of what the candidates said or did, or maybe they’re listening to one of several local radio stations. Our fear, however, is that many are simply as apathetic and disinterested in the political process as they’ve ever been.

It’s our nature to ignore the process, then complain after the fact when we don’t get the representation we want. Contributing to this is that many also don’t avail themselves of information on the candidates and issues, which results in the uninformed and unprepared setting policy.

What has set the United States apart is the unparalleled freedoms we have to choose our candidates and issues. Even the most insignificant among us can affect change through candidacy or the petition process. More and more, however, the small segment of reactionary whiners among us are gaining a louder and more anonymous voice. Online blogs, Facebook, Twitter and commenting on reputable news sites are exploding, while personal attention to the actual campaigns wanes.

We’re proud to be among the sponsors to bring these weekly candidate forums and debates to the Valley. That more haven’t attended is a trend we hope will reverse itself. We have another opportunity at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Alaska Club where candidates for U.S. Senate are slated to be on the stage. There are more opportunities on July 29, when state Rep. Carl Gatto and challenger Don Benson will take the stage. On Aug. 5, Mat-Su Borough Assembly candidates will face off, followed by the Mat-Su Borough school board candidates a week later. On Aug. 19, gubernatorial candidates will debate.

Whether you’ve made up your mind or not, there’s no substitute for personal participation in the election process. We realize those who exercise the time and attention to read local editorials are likely those more inclined to attend. Bring a friend or neighbor. Contact a local senior center and see if you can’t provide a ride for someone who otherwise may be homebound and can’t attend.

And above all, be there, ask questions and listen.