By The Herald Editorial Board
Welcome to 2020.
How’s it looking so far? We’re early enough in to the new year that we’re betting you’ve managed thus far to keep the resolutions you made last night before counting down 2019’s final 10 seconds. And nobody saw that second glass of champagne at 12:05 a.m.
So, you won’t mind if we add a few more resolutions to your list? Don’t worry; nothing about losing weight or exercising more or not getting ahead of your significant other on whatever series you’re streaming. We’ve heard good things about “Watchmen,” by the way.
No, these resolutions are focused on the things that can help continue your record as an upstanding member of the community.
Understand, all of us are doing pretty good in that regard if we hold down a job or the responsibilities of caring for our families; get the kids or grandkids to practice, games and friends’ homes; keep in touch with family and friends; and, especially, find some time alone for partners and ourselves.
But, should you find yourself with some time for extra credit, consider the following resolutions for 2020:
Pay more attention to the news. We’re not suggesting that you binge watch the Senate impeachment trial from gavel to gavel. In fact, it might be a good idea to select a better balanced news diet; maybe a little less of the national daily outrage over the latest tweet and more news from your hometown, county, state and region and from international sources.
The drama inherent in national news easily attracts our attention, but that doesn’t make it more important than what’s happening closer to where you live, the things that can have the most direct effect on your daily life, such as roads, schools, public safety, neighborhoods, parks, the local economy, and, of course, taxes.
It’s self-serving, we know, but we’ll make a plug for subscribing or keeping up your subscription to your local newspaper. And if you’re not the type for print, subscribe online and follow the local news on your social media app.
Which brings us to the next resolution: Doing something with that information you’ve acquired. Once you’re up on what’s going on in your community, you might feel the need to let others — especially local officials — know what you think ought to be done — or not done — on your behalf.
Make a commitment to attend a public meeting. Going to a meeting of your city council, county council, school or port board — and standing up and expressing your thoughts on a subject that matters to you — holds great influence with those who have been elected to those boards and councils. A point made well in front of elected officials can cause them to reconsider a position or confirm for them they’re making the right decision, one with the backing of those they represent.
Register to vote; then vote. Not everyone has the time — or the schedule — to go to public meetings. But, with recent changes to how we vote in Washington state, everyone has the opportunity to register to vote and vote; and to do so in every possible election. If you’re not registered, you can do so online, by mail or in person, and — assuming you haven’t made a resolution not to procrastinate — you can now register up until the day of the election, although you have to do so in person.
Voting now is easier than it’s ever been for Washington state residents. Your county election office sends you a ballot and voter’s guides; you return the ballot to a local drop box or — even simpler — your own mail box. Ballots can now be returned without postage.
Voter turnout is stronger during presidential election years, but for many elections, a minority of registered voters are making decisions for everyone else. Voter turnout out in Snohomish County in November’s election — for county offices, mayors, city councils and board for schools, ports, fire districts — was only 43 percent; it didn’t even break 25 percent for the primary election last year.
Don’t think you have to wait until this November and the presidential election to vote this year. Several local school districts have scheduled bond and levy elections for Feb. 11 or April 28. And the presidential primary has been moved up from late May in 2016 to March 10 for 2020, putting Washington state voters in the thick of determining who the Democratic Party’s nominee will be. The primary for legislative, statewide and congressional races follows Aug. 4, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
We’ll suggest one more resolution, but one that will allow you to enjoy the effort you’ve put in by following the resolutions above:
Get out in your community. This is what you’ve helped to build. Doorbell for a candidate or ballot measure you support. Join a community organization and help its members with the work that it does in the community. Take note of the things that are working in your hometown. Go to a park and get some fresh air; and take the dog with you. Attend a child or grandchild’s basketball game or school concert.
Do that, and maybe some of those other resolutions will take care of themselves along the way.
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