By Karen Crowley, Jared Mead and Nate Nehring / For The Herald
Election season is upon us once again. As we prepare for the onset of yard signs, campaign mailers and candidate forums, we believe it is a good time to consider the importance of reducing political polarization and incivility in our politics.
The electorate is tired of candidates and elected officials using their roles as a bully pulpit to personally attack their political opposition. While some may enjoy this type of combative rhetoric, the majority of Republican, Democratic and independent voters are yearning for a return to respectful dialogue and policy-focused debate (“Editorial: Candidates, voters have campaign promises to make,” The Herald, May 18).
2024 offers an opportunity for voters to make their voice heard on a number of consequential elections at the local, state and national level. Rather than just another cycle of negative campaigning and mudslinging, we believe it’s time to hold candidates for public office to a higher standard. Many state and national races have already become toxic on both sides of the aisle. We have a responsibility to set a better example, and what better place to start than right here in Snohomish County?
The Building Bridges Project is proud to partner with the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County and The Daily Herald in putting forward the following Candidate Pledge for consideration:
As a candidate for public office, I recognize my role in reducing the polarization and incivility in our current political climate. I want to be a part of positive change.
To that end, I pledge that:
I will approach my campaign with humility, recognizing that no single candidate is entitled to public office and everyone has the right to put their name forward as a candidate.
I will make a sincere effort to meet with my opponent(s) to gain a better understanding of their background and learn about their reasons for running for public office.
I will accept opportunities to explain my qualifications and policy positions so that voters can make an informed decision.
I will treat my opponent(s) with the same dignity and respect that I expect to receive.
I will be gracious in debating policy positions by addressing my opponent(s)’ stated positions rather than creating misrepresentations.
I will encourage my own supporters and political party to be respectful of my opponent(s)’ campaign materials (yard signs, pamphlets, etc.).
I will speak out against campaign messaging that contains false or defamatory information about my opponent(s).
I will accept the outcome of my election with grace, regardless of whether I am on the winning or losing side.
I will give my opponent(s) the benefit of the doubt and assume positive motives until proven otherwise.
I will refrain from personal attacks against my opponent(s) and instead focus any criticisms on policy differences.
By signing this pledge, I commit to fostering a political environment rooted in respect, civility, and constructive dialogue, for the betterment of our community and nation.
Our shared hope is that by encouraging candidates to sign this pledge, we can shift the narrative in this election cycle to one which focuses on the issues at hand and allows voters the opportunity to make informed decisions. Candidates who agree to the pledge will demonstrate their commitment to a more civically healthy society; one where we can disagree without being disagreeable. These are the types of candidates who can make a meaningful difference in uniting our fractured communities if and when they are elected to public office.
Of course, a pledge is only as strong as the character of those who sign it. The community has every right to expect this level of conduct from those who seek to represent us. That is why it will ultimately be up to each of us as voters to hold candidates accountable to these values.
And therein lies our call to voters for their action: We hope you will consider encouraging candidates in your area to sign the Candidate Pledge and proudly display this commitment on their campaign website and materials. You can find a link to the pledge at www.thebuildingbridgesproject.org/candidate-pledge.
Voters needn’t tolerate continued political polarization and incivility. Together, we can improve the political discourse and in turn build a brighter future for our communities.
Karen Crowley is president of the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County. Nate Nehring and Jared Mead are members of the Snohomish County Council and directors of the The Building Bridges Project.
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