Archived Opinion

Stop voting by political affiliation

Stop voting by political affiliation

To the Editor:

I believe voting straight ticket, R or D, is this country’s downfall. Too many voters refuse to research the candidates’ background, experience, education and their position on issues. Why? Because too many are lazy. 

This year I have researched the background of the two candidates running in the 11th District for the U.S. House of Representatives. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara will be my pick. She has the qualities that are important to me. She holds a Master of Fine Arts and completed her Master of Divinity degree at Harvard Divinity School and is an ordained minister. She supports the 2nd Amendment and does not want to take our guns away. However, she believes the 2nd Amendment needs a balance that protects the 2nd Amendment while also keeping the community safe.

She firmly believes that equal rights pertain to everyone. She is nationally known as an LGBTQ activist. She believes marijuana should be legalized and taxed. She believes the Child Tax Credit should be revived. She believes in improving healthcare for all. She believes in reducing drug prices. She is pro-choice. Her opponent would only agree to one debate, even though she wanted to have more. 

By the way, I am an unaffiliated voter and believe my right to vote requires that I spend the time to research and not vote straight ticket.

Ron Rookstool

Maggie Valley

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