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How can you be an informed voter?
Posted: 08.31.2012 at 6:25 PM
Updated: 09.03.2012 at 7:20 AM
0

MARQUETTE -- With less than three months until the November elections, our Facebook viewers wanted to know how to become better informed voters.

Marquette city officials say nearly 70 percent of local voters will cast their ballot this November. The main reasons? Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama. But remember, local government issues are still in play, and one expert says you can't go in blind.

"It's hard to make decisions on issues that you're unfamiliar with," said Marquette City Clerk David Bleau. "I hear a lot of voters over time have said, 'Well, had I known that was on the ballot, I probably would've looked, but I just left it blank.'"

To get started, Bleau says to look at the ballot in your area. City and county clerks will have them on hand, but you can also check online. The Michigan Secretary of State will have information on state issues and officials.

Facebook fan Shawn Stanley wrote, "I have found doing my own research is the best way to get good, unbiased information."

Robert Kulischek, chairman of the Marquette City Charter Commission, agrees. Kulisheck says the best way to be informed is to attend public meetings, and pay attention to elected officials' platforms.

"You'll get a sense as to how individual candidates are reacting to issues so when the elction comes, you can decide how better to cast your vote," said Kulisheck.

Here's what you can expect in the Marquette city ballot:  four candidates and only two seats on the Marquette City Commission, three candidates and only two seats for the Board of Light & Power, and a proposed new Marquette City Charter.

"That is the fundamental document that guides the city," Kulisheck said. "The last charter was in force for over 60 years, so if this charter is approved, it will be most likely the guiding principles for the city for decades to come."

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