Cover alternative parties equally

In the “Our View” editorial Oct. 29, you were making a reasonable and compelling argument for voting until you said voting for a non-contender was throwing a vote away and shirking one's duty. Any vote cast, even for a write-in candidate or a lessor known party, is full, valuable participation in our political process.

After observing the two established parties for the past 40 years, I could argue voting for either of them is not only insanity, but a throwaway vote. At the least, a nonconventional vote lets the parties in power know how many people are onto their incompetence, and are looking for alternative solutions.

I believe it is the Herald that shirked its duty during this election. You have an opportunity, if not responsibility, to create an informed voting public. By doing so, you enable reasoned, educated voting. All parties that have candidates on a ballot should get equal explanation and coverage.

Although, in your paper I saw more coverage of the alternate parties during this election than in the past, it was nowhere near balanced. People need to be educated to the alternatives, so we can do away with the contemptible performance we are currently stuck with.

Walter Naaf

Pingree Grove