Column: A common-sense guide to non-partisan voting

By Dan Kontos

There is always a lot of talk about poorly performing elected officials. To be fair, there are more good ones than not at the local level, but what we see is a disproportionately negative effect by those who are not executing at an acceptable level.

Are these under-performers to blame? For sure. After all, it’s their job.

However, what we often conveniently forget is that we, the electorate, voted them into office in the first place. Yes, yes, I know that I have just collectively lumped all of us together into the same pot, but you understand what I am saying. Since we are all in this together, and since at one time or another we are all guilty of zombie voting, then I will take the liberty.

Zombie voting, what is that you ask? It’s akin to the scores of zombie movies and shows that depict a post-apocalyptic world where the undead roam the earth, driven by some unseen instinct to do what they do. 

Just so, voters often trudge to the polls, without much thought as to who they will vote for until they get there. Driven by a sense of civic duty to vote, they complete their ballot, get their sticker, and move on. The results are often all too evident. 

So, let’s strive to shake off the fog of zombie voting and go into the spring elections with a renewed sense of determination to select the best candidates available. After all, that’s our job.

First, know who is running. Check local media to keep track of the candidates. Look for published sample ballots, or go to the My Vote Wisconsin website to see what’s on the ballot.

As we have discussed before, it’s vital that we have those good candidates to represent us in our elected governmental offices. With the January 4th paperwork deadline fast approaching, I was told by two well-placed sources that there will be several people throwing their preverbal hats into the election ring this spring. That’s good news, but not good enough.

What’s critical for us as voters is to make the best choice from amongst those who are willing to serve. How can we be sure that we are selecting the best candidate from the slate that we are offered? Let’s explore some simple, yet often overlooked, steps that we can take.

First, local media is critical for us. They often ask candidates to answer questions and publish their responses. We then evaluate them against our own principles and priorities. Do they really seem to represent us, or themselves? Of course, these questions allow polished contenders to craft well-thought-out responses, so watch carefully what they actually say. 

It’s a good start, but what is better are the live forums. Those opportunities to ask candidates pertinent questions, and have more impromptu responses. Here aspirants are challenged to come up with answers that they know off the top of their heads. We can see if they are able to form cogent and well-thought-out responses, or do they just do the dance.

We have seen these interviews in previous elections, and their recorded responses are available for us, not only to look at when it’s convenient for us but also memorialize their answers so we can scrutinize them later. This is especially useful if they do get elected. 

While the formats of live broadcasts, podcasts, archived videos, and others may seem a bit unconventional, they have been around for a while and are ripe for use by media outlets to conduct these question-and-answer sessions. All we have to do is take the time to watch.

We can also look to local organizations that provide candidate forums as well. Many times, we hear of the League of Women Voters, Business Council, and others sponsoring these opportunities. While their questions are frequently less focused and probing as when the media does it, they do often give us the opportunity to see multiple candidates for the same office answer the same questions side-by-side.

Many times, it’s also not what they say at these forums, but it is telling when a candidate doesn’t participate without good cause. If we expect them to do well in office, what does it say about what can we expect when they don’t even bother to show up before the election?

What is the best predictor of future performance? It’s past performance. This is true for our elected officials, for sure. We need to take a look at these candidates to see what they have done in the past to help predict how they will function in office.

Incumbents have a record. We can look back to see if we are satisfied with how they have performed during their last term. Are they doing an acceptable job? Do we want to re-hire them for another term? There is no better way to evaluate someone than to look back at how they have done their job once already. Reelection is earned through accomplishment; it’s not a right.

That said, you must understand that there is an old axiom that says no one can do as good of a job as you think you can do. Doubt me? Just look at any sporting event, and listen to the fans question play calls, or even the abilities of the athletes to perform their given assignments. So, with that in mind, the question should be, have they done an acceptable job?

If not, game over. No vote for you. It’s that simple. 

Challengers and newcomers have records too. They may simply be a citizen stepping into the spotlight for the first time. We can examine the backgrounds and skills they bring to the office. We can look at their participation in community events and organizations. We can ask about their motivations to run for office.

They may also be an elected official looking to climb the governmental ladder. Beware of career politicians. How did they do in their old position? Did they make good, sound decisions, or are they leaving behind a dumpster fire, still bearing the torch of putrid embers to set their new office alight? Just because they were great in their old position, doesn’t necessarily mean that they will do well in this new one. Remember the Peter Principle.

Finally, never get caught in the trap of feeling that every office is worthy of your vote. There should be no automatic voting. If the candidate is unworthy, yet they are unopposed, the principled thing to do is not to give them your endorsement, and then move on to the next item on the ballot. If it says choose no more than four candidates, and only three are worthy, then only choose those three. Don’t just vote for a name you recognize, vote for the best candidate.

A vote for a bad candidate is your contribution to the problem. Think well first.

So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about all of it, boldly, unafraid, and with a healthy respect for each other. Elections are for the people to have a say; take it seriously.

Also, don’t forget the Americans still trapped in Afghanistan for over 120 days as of Sunday. Pray for our country. God bless.

Dan Kontos is a paid columnist for the Metro Wire. He chooses his own topics and his opinions do not necessarily represent the staff of the Metro Wire. He lives with his family in Whiting. 

We are seeking a liberal columnist. Anyone with interest should email [email protected].