TO THE EDITOR:

Itís summer time ñ parades, ball games, local festivals ñ lots of opportunities to socialize with our neighbors and community. Among our friends at some of these activities you probably see some candidates running for office ñ shaking hands, distributing stickers or flyers, asking for your vote. Election season is upon us.

Democratic elections require the open exchange of ideas. The League of Women Voters (LWV), a nonpartisan, political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. LWV works to fulfill that mission by sponsoring candidate debates and educational forums.

LWV-sponsored candidate debates give voters an opportunity to hear candidates exchange ideas face to face and respond directly to one another and to audience questions in a setting where all candidates are treated equally. It is legitimate and useful to compare and contrast candidatesí promises, records, and positions.

LWV members also volunteer to register voters and answer questions about the voting process. We do this because we think itís important for all citizens to get involved in learning about the candidates and issues and then take advantage of our freedom to vote in the Primary (September 12) and General (November 7) Elections.

Voting is a key part of civic engagement; as is writing a letter to the editor or to an elected official. Civic engagement should also be about civility, which includes tolerance for those who may hold different views or belong to a different political party. We need civility in the political process to attract willing candidates to run for office and to encourage a healthy discussion of the issues. Civility is at the heart of a well functioning democracy.

Family, schools, religious institutions, the media, and community groups all have influence in the formation of civic character. LWV has an 86-year history of developing and nurturing civic conscience, responsibility, and leaders. In this election year the LWV encourages you to get involved in the democratic process. Accept those flyers from candidates and read what they have to say. And log on to the League of Women Voters Minnesota web site www.lwvmn.org for nonpartisan election information.

Hereís looking forward to a civil, informative and active election season.

Carolyn Cagle, president
LWV-Chisago County Unit