By Thomas Warren III, Editor-in-Chief
I have long believed the most powerful voters are those who are informed before they vote. Voters who are informed before they vote can hopefully avoid the pain of knowing they voted for someone who believes opposite of their positions after the election. Likewise, voters who are informed before they vote can appreciate the knowledge that the people they supported with their votes hold the same beliefs on key issues.
However, while it is often easy to get informed about races for President or U.S. Senate, it often become much more difficult in local races. Does Candidate A truly oppose tax increases? Does Candidate B want to fix our city’s parks? What will Candidate C do about the potholes in the streets?
All of these are valid questions voters have about their candidates during local elections, but unfortunately, many voters will cast blind ballots without truly having their questions answered.
This year, however, we are here to hopefully change that precedent and give Amarillo voters the chance to become informed and empowered before May 1.
On Tuesday, April 6, at 7pm, the Amarillo Pioneer will host its annual local candidate forum at the VFW Post 1475 in downtown Amarillo. This event will allow voters to hear directly from candidates, finding out where these candidates truly stand on the issues. Plus, audience members will also have the opportunity to submit questions that will be posed by our moderators, Len Walker and Matt Stringer.
Additionally, for voters who still want more information about the candidates, we will soon be publishing our digital Voter Guide featuring the candidates’ responses to key questions. But, if you want to get a printed copy of the candidates answers, we also have you covered! A printed version of our Voter Guide will soon be available across Amarillo.
This year, we are giving you the tools you need to find out where the candidates stand on the issues, allowing you to make a clear and informed choice when you vote. Every voter should cast an informed ballot and May 1, and we hope to play a role in making that happen through our event and Voter Guide this year.
So, please, get informed, get empowered, and go vote!
See y’all on April 6.