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As you have probably been able to guess from watching television, listening to the radio or even surfing the Internet, we have an election around the corner. Most Oregonians can expect to receive their ballot in the mail in the next two weeks. We will each be faced with deciding which candidates to vote for as well as where we stand on seven statewide ballot measures and a host of local issues.

My simple request of you today is that you vote.

I don’t care what your party affiliation might be, where you fall on the ideological spectrum, or how many times you have voted before. I simple ask that you vote.

If you aren’t currently registered to vote, please consider doing so. You have until October 14th, and you can even do it online by visiting www.OregonVotes.org.

Then, when it comes time to vote, take a few minutes to educate yourself. Do a little digging to learn about the people and the issues. Talk to people. Leverage the resources at your disposal to cast an informed vote.

Here are some simple ways to do this.

Use the network around you. Talk to your friends and family. Speak with your neighbors and co-workers. I am not saying vote the same way they do. Rather, learn why they are voting the way that they are and what they know about the candidates and issues.

Read your voters’ pamphlet. It’s thick and full of statements framing the issues the way that other people want you to look at them, but try to get beyond the fluff and focus on how the groups that you trust stand.

Look for points that resonate with you. Learn who supports (or opposes) each. Watch for the names you know and trust and see what those people have to say.

Most importantly, lean on the groups you are a part of. Many associations have taken the time to interview and/or endorse candidates for office. We comb over voting records and offer advice based on our view of things.

Find out who and what the groups that you are a member of are supporting this fall. If you haven’t seen a list of people they are endorsing, call them up and run the names on your ballot by them. Most groups will happily offer their feedback and appreciate you caring enough to ask their opinion.

I often hear people say that their votes don’t matter.

The fact of the matter is that our votes do matter. Four years ago, the balance of power in the Oregon Senate was decided by only 275 votes and in the Oregon House of Representatives by 623 votes.

Your vote matters and it can wield tremendous influence. Use it.

Make sure you are registered to vote this fall. Circle November 4th on your calendar. When you get your ballot, take a little time and do your homework. And most of all – vote!

Laurie Kendall is president of the Associated Builders and Contractors‘ Pacific Northwest chapter. Contact her at 503-598-0620 or at [email protected].