Take part in democracy Nov. 3
About this time of year, political writers often opine about low voter turnout on Election Day.
A better question for the Nov. 3 election might be: What’s on my ballot?
Voters are the engine of our democracy.
They determine who goes to Jefferson City and Washington, who sits on school boards, what new laws are established and which proposals are left in the dust.
Yet many, many registered voters do not know what is on their ballots — even as they enter their polling places. Yes, they’ve seen candidates’ signs and watched clever and not-so-clever TV ads about possible new laws.
But do voters take time to understand who and what they’re voting for? After all, that information is sometimes hard to come by — and we’re busy.
Election workers like me often see a voter approach the check-in table and ask, “What’s on the ballot this time?” Election workers abide by strict, nonpartisan rules and cannot provide voters additional information. That power is given exclusively to the voter.
When we become registered voters, we also commit to learning what’s on the ballot, preferably before Election Day.
The saying, “Democracy is not a spectator sport” might also be a warning: If we as citizens don’t participate, we chance losing it. Participating is so much more than just showing up to vote.
Before Election Day, get a sample copy of your ballot from your county clerk’s website. Now you have the names of candidates. Look at their websites to see what they stand for.
Next, review proposed amendments. This takes more time, but now you’re on a roll; you can do this! Most proposals can be researched online (One nonpartisan source is the League of Women Voters of Missouri: https://my.lwv.org/missouri). If you’re confused, call a person you trust and talk it over.
On Election Day, you’ll feel confident. The names are familiar; the proposals are now understandable. With confidence, you find voting is more than just fulfilling an obligation. You’ve just done your part to keep our democracy alive.
Ann Elwell, Nixa
Protect the power of the people
From recent television election ads I have seen, Missouri GOP assemblymen agonize over "We The People." For after all, it was "We The People" who came up with the Missouri Constitution. Vote "Yes" on Amendment 6!
Len Eagleburger, Springfield
Stinnett a helper and a fighter
When you’re fighting for your child’s health, dealing with big insurance companies can make you feel completely alone. I know that feeling all too well.
When my son, Greyson, was receiving services at TheraCare, our insurance company repeatedly denied claims for his speech therapy. They claimed his hearing loss didn't qualify him for services, even though our policy explicitly stated that therapy was covered if the hearing loss was congenital. Greyson’s hearing loss is congenital. The insurance company was simply wrong.
That’s when Melanie Stinnett stepped in.
Melanie didn't just offer empty sympathy, she stood in the gap and fought alongside us. Between her advocacy and my daily calls to the insurance company, Greyson’s therapy services were finally processed correctly.
For Melanie, healthcare and disability access aren't political talking points. I’ve experienced her dedication firsthand, and I know she brings that exact same passion, grit, and advocacy to the Missouri State Senate.
We need leaders in Jefferson City who know what it’s like to take on big insurance and put local families first. Melanie Stinnett helped make sure my son wasn't left behind, and I know she will keep fighting for all of our families in District 30.
Elaina Kennedy, Springfield
Protect voting rights, individuals on Election Day
Missouri voters should have the final say in decisions that shape our state and not see those decisions repeatedly challenged when elected officials disagree with the outcome.
This November, five ballot measures raise important questions about voter power, individual rights, fair representation and government accountability. These issues affect every Missourian, regardless of political affiliation.
The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan. We do not support or oppose candidates or political parties, but we do take positions on issues based on long-standing principles: protecting voting rights, individual liberties, representative government, citizen participation and accountable government. Those principles guide our recommendations to vote YES on Amendment 6 and NO on Amendments 3, 7, and Proposition A.
In 2024, Missourians voted to protect reproductive freedom. Amendment 3 now seeks to reverse that decision. Amendment 7 proposes a major restructuring of state finances, raising concerns about reliable funding for essential public services. Amendment 8 would limit voter accountability over county sheriffs. Proposition A asks voters to approve a congressional map redrawn between censuses, raising serious concerns about partisan gerrymandering and fair representation. Amendment 6, by contrast, would strengthen protections for Missouri's citizen initiative process and voter-approved measures.
Direct democracy gives citizens a meaningful role in shaping their government. Their decisions deserve respect, not repeated attempts to overturn them. We encourage Missourians to study these measures and vote on Nov. 3.
Protect your voice and rights. Vote YES on 6 and NO on 3,7, 8 and Proposition A.
Sandy Michaels and Kelly Sutton, co-presidents, League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri
Sanctions needed against Russia
I am very disappointed that President Trump recently decided to buy diesel fuel from Russia even though a 2022 law bans fuel imports from Russia.
Strong economic sanctions are needed to end Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine which has already killed over 500,000 people and has caused over $2 trillion in economic damage.
Our European Allies understand the need for tough economic sanctions against Russia. When I attended a peace rally on Oct. 3, 2023 at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, many speakers called for stronger economic sanctions against Russia. On that same day in Berlin, I joined hundreds of people (including many children) praying for Ukrainian peace at the Memorial for Murdered Jews.
I urge our political leaders to promote an end to the Ukrainian War through tough economic sanctions against Russia.
Luke Curtis MD, Jefferson City
Time for a change in Washington, D.C.
It appears that the people in power want to gain control over everything. Are they trying to stop Pentagon coverage and silence criticism from the media out of fear that it might influence people against them?
Recently on C-SPAN, Vice President Vance claimed that Trump’s tariffs will encourage new American manufacturing and jobs. In reality, U.S. manufacturers and businesses have been forced out of business because of tariffs. Vance bragged about Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” Temporary tax breaks are insignificant when compared to a tariff-induced annual cost of living increase of $1,200 to $1,700 per household. And … many products are no longer available.
Vance incredulously said Americans should stop complaining about gas prices. The trucking industry, farmers, and businesses are impacted by high gas prices. Vance told listeners that Republicans are working to make things better and attached blame to the Democrats for opposing their efforts.
The Trump administration removed thousands of vested federal employees who kept the government running. Retirees can no longer speak to someone by telephone at the Social Security office.
Republicans in Congress passed legislation that slashed subsidies and disability funding. This administration has spent billions on military actions. They have spent billions rounding up long-term non-criminal migrant residents. A wiser plan might have been to mandate surrender and offer long-timers a one-time reparatory conditional amnesty. Operating without independent oversight, the DHS added inhumane holding facilities and Trump expects ICE to arrest 2,000-3,000 daily.
Mid-terms are approaching; the president is manipulating and interfering in state elections, and he promised voters money if the GOP wins. If the economy is wonderful and the president and Congress are doing a great job, why does he need to bribe voters?
Consider this: Is what you see going on at the national level helping your situation or harming it? For democracy to work, our government needs a change, it needs congressional oversight and balance.
Norma Salchow, Springfield
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Letters to the Editor: Take part in democracy on Election Day
