Need to be informed voters

Are you, like many Americans, tired of being bombarded by repetitive political ads? Instead of clearly explaining where candidates stand on the issues, these ads too often rely on feel-good promises to “fight for you” or “cut taxes” — even when the candidates’ records suggest otherwise. Such claims can be hollow, especially when candidates take credit for bipartisan or even unanimous legislation.

Take, for example, the race for McHenry County Board. One prominent candidate with a big budget has been aggressive in appealing to voters to cut government “red tape” and reduce regulations. Sounds good, but in many cases, government regulations are created to protect voters. Without knowing what protections are being considered, it is impossible to know whether constituents will be helped or hurt by such general promises.

Voters need specifics, not platitudes. They deserve to know where candidates stand on data centers, immigration, the environment, guns, climate policy, local Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations and support for public schools.

Nor should voters be expected to pay for a candidate’s political messages even if the candidate labels such messages as “legislative updates.” This is an unethical, nationwide practice, but it’s only in the fine print that voters learn that these political messages are at taxpayer expense.

The bottom line is that it is our responsibility as voters to do our homework so when we vote, our votes are based on facts, not deceptive political ads.

Joan Davis, Huntley