Endorsements offered to spark thought, debate

Primary election day is Sept. 14, almost three weeks away. In reality, though, there isn’t an election “day” anymore. Instead, there’s an election “period,” one that starts today as absentee ballots begin showing up in voters’ mailboxes.

If you’re an absentee voter and have already made up your mind which candidates and ballot issues you favor, you may be one of those who fills out and returns your ballot a day or two after receiving it. If, however, you’re in the majority that prefers to wait until the official election day, until you’ve had a chance to absorb all the information you can on each of the races, keep an eye on this newspaper over the next couple of weeks.

While that recommendation is unabashedly self-serving, it’s also an honest invitation to make more informed choices about the candidates and issues on the primary ballot. The Herald’s news department will cover the crucial state and local races, and the editorial board – which is independent both from the news department and the political parties – will offer its views through editorial endorsements.

Our first endorsement will run Sunday, and others will follow over the next two weeks. We weigh in on key political races for much the same reason we do so on other issues in this space: to spark thought and discussion so citizens can be better engaged in their own governance.

The process we use to arrive at endorsement decisions is similar to the news gathering process reporters use. We interview candidates, research their background, ask others about them. We draw on our own knowledge of issues and candidates’ records. But while reporters work to present objective reports to readers, the editorial board makes its opinions known.

Those opinions are the consensus of the four people whose names appear in the upper right-hand corner of this page. Sometimes we reach consensus quickly and easily. Other times, long discussions are involved and preconceived notions are dashed. Always, editorial board members strive to be open-minded and fair.

We don’t expect, or even desire, that everyone will agree with us. In fact, we welcome and encourage differing viewpoints in the form of letters to the editor.

The point is to strengthen democracy by engaging in it.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Feb. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

Forum: State church leaders call for compasion for immigrants

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality.

Forum: Support state legislation to reform policing, corrections

One bill would harmonize standards for agency leadership; another would clarify review of corrections facilities.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.