Nov. 8: The end of nation’s oddest election

Our view: Plenty on the ballot besides the presidential candidates

Nov. 8, Election Day, will finally bring to close the oddest, most controversial and nasty presidential election campaign in the history of this nation.
The campaigns, debates and political parties have focused more on the personal shortcomings of each candidate rather than on the issues of the day. Hillary Clinton is accused of putting national security at peril, misuing the Clinton Foundation and, too boot, her husband — a former president — is a philanderer.
Donald Trump, the other candidate, has been accused of sexual improprieties, and cannot seem to open his mouth without inserting his foot in it.
Campaign ads, editorials, letters to the editor, and political pundits have focused not on which is the best candidate, but which is the worst. Rarely do you see anything written to support either candidate, but there is plenty said about the shortcomings of each.
What we hope will eventually come from this presidential election is a realization by both major political parties that they are out of touch with the mainstream of American voters. We expect that while many party loyalists will stay within party lines, they will write in other names from the party of their choice.
We also expect a surge in third-party votes. Those who cannot stomach either candidate may well turn to one of the minority parties for a candidate. While many are not as well versed in politics as the mainstream candidates, they may be perceived as more honest and ethical.
But, once you cast your vote for president, you can turn to local politics.
There seems to be a push for change. From the U.S. Congress to local townships, there are very few uncontested races. There have even been some latecomers throwing their hats into the ring as write-in candidates.
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating — it’s refreshing to see so many people take an interest in grassroots politics, step up to the challenge and seek public office. We’ve had far too many years of blank ballots and uncontested candidates.
This election is unlike any other in recent decades. We can’t wait to see how it all turns out.
Don’t forget to vote Nov. 8. It’s more important now than ever before.
— L.C.