By Ben Rodgers
Editor

The opinion page in this week’s Press Times is a veritable hotbed of letters on the general election, which is something we encourage.

Because of our many jobs as a news source, telling you how to vote is not one of them.

We firmly believe that an informed electorate is critical to the success of a democracy, but our opinions are just that, mere opinions.

The reason I would vote for a candidate could vary greatly from a business owner, a single parent, or someone who drives through potholes every day.

The needs where I live are different than someone who resides downtown. My school district is not necessarily the same as yours.

My reasons for my ballot choices are mine and mine alone.

So no, you will not read any ringing endorsements written by the editorial staff of The Press Times in our paper.

Instead, we leave your vote up to you.

Including this most recent issue, we highlighted eight races this election in the area the past two weeks.

We asked some basic questions that can help inform your opinion.

As a newspaper, that is our purpose to inform you, which is different than influencing you.

I have confidence that if you are reading this, you care about your community and you care about what is happening locally.

If that is the case, it also means you are well-informed and educated on local issues.

Some well-informed people took the time to tell you why they are voting the way they are for this election.

You can read those opinions in the March 29 print edition.

This is what an opinion page should be, a place to share thoughts and foster discussion on local issues.

However, when it comes to us as a staff, we already gave you the tools you need to be informed.

Now it’s up to you to make your voice heard on April 2.