The U.S. Constitution created the three branches of government: executive (president), legislative (Congress) and judicial (federal courts). Each has specific powers to monitor and disapprove of the other’s actions. These “checks and balances” ensure that no one branch takes more power than intended, makes costly errors or behaves inappropriately.
Why the history lesson? Washington has a primary election on Aug. 7 and a general election on Nov. 6, when our representatives to the House and a senator are up for re-election. Voting is how we can improve this Congress that currently doesn’t work together for its constituents’ concerns nor check the executive branch’s power to spend our taxpayer dollars.
Despite mail-in ballots, low voter turnout is a long-standing problem, according to the secretary of state’s website. During the 2016 presidential election, 78.6 percent of eligible Clark County residents were registered and 76.7 percent of those actually voted. In the 2014 midterm election, 74.6 percent of eligible Clark County residents were registered and 50.8 percent of those actually voted.
The deadline is July 30 to register in person at the county elections office for the Aug. 7 primary. For the Nov. 6 general election, Oct. 8 is the deadline for online registration and Oct. 29 for in-person registration. Vote, everyone!
