Theres an easy way to get involved in deciding the future of our communities, our county and our state. It doesnt involve a lot of time or effort, yet many people in our communities choose to not take advantage of this opportunity. They choose not to cast their ballots to vote on important initiatives, referendums or candidates for elected office. They leave those important decisions to others.
In the November 2004 general election (the last presidential election) nearly 85 percent of the registered voters in Snohomish County cast a ballot. In the November 2006 general election, that number had fallen to 62.28 percent of the registered voters casting a ballot. In the August 2007 primary election, the number of registered voters casting a ballot plummeted to 28 percent. Thats right, in Snohomish County slightly more than one-quarter of the registered voters decided who would move on to the Nov. 6 general election.
The Nov. 6 ballot contains a number of referendums, initiatives and races for elected office that did not appear on the primary election ballot. As such, it is even more critical that registered voters take the time to fill out and return their ballots.
Voters will be deciding a number of statewide ballot measures that could impact all of us. Votes are being asked to approve or reject such measures at I-960, which concerns tax and fee increases imposed by state government; Ref. 67, concerning insurance fair conduct related to claims for coverage or benefits; Resolution 4204, a proposed constitutional amendment on school tax levies; and others.
For Snohomish County, voters will be asked to approve or reject Proposition 1, which would form a Regional Transportation Improvement District, as well as a number of races for elected offices including County Executive, County Council, Assessor, Auditor, County clerk, Sheriff and Treasurer.
Locally, Arlington residents will be voting for mayor, five City Council positions, three school board directors, fire district commissioners and hospital district commissioners. Darrington voters will be selecting the mayor, City Council members, school board members and hospital commissioners. Marysville voters will be selecting the mayor, three City Council members and three school board members.
These are important issues and races that will impact each of us. Dont leave the decisions to someone else. Get involved in our future; cast your ballot for the Nov. 6 general election.

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