November 4th, 2008 could have been just another day in Mountain Home, Idaho. But it wasn’t! It was “Election Day 2008” and I think we did our civic duty…as far as the number of voters were concerned.
My First Idaho Vote
I will say the whole election process was quite simple. Voting went smoothly and I was in and out of the polls within 20 minutes. Thanks to all the volunteers who made the voting in Precinct 6 and 9 an easy task. Lots of smiles and lots of directions. Great Job.
The Process Need Improving
My thoughts on this subject may rub some people the wrong way but we need to improve communication during the pre-vote period. What type of communication needs improvement? The communication between the public and the candidate was pretty miserable. I had to fight to find information about everything from who was on the ballot to individual candidate platforms.
The one shining moment in Mountain Home was the “Meet Your Candidate” night at the Senior Center. If it wasn’t for this public forum graciously hosted by the Senior Center, I wouldn’t have voted for many local politicians. Great Job.
This lack of communication isn’t a Mountain Home unique problem. I’d say every place I have ever lived it was always hard to find out about individual candidates. My suggestion to candidates for the next election? Communicate, communicate and communicate some more. Let the public know who you are and what your plans are if you are elected. Don’t give this important job to the Mountain Home News or word of mouth. Enough said on that subject.
The 6 and 9 Voting Precinct Crowds
Congratulations to Our Local Elected Officials
- County Commissioner – 1st District: Artie Shaw
- County Commissioner – 2nd District: Larry Rose
- Sheriff: Rick Layher
- Western Elmore County Recreation District: Mollie Marsh