Voters are often inundated with confusing and conflicting election information, which makes it hard for those of us who try to make well informed choices – we need to sort out what is truthful, speculative, or inconsequential. While we are all aware of this for the highly visible presidential race, it’s also concerning for our state and local elections.

One highly contested state seat is between Mindie Wirth and Guy Palumbo, contenders for the 1st Legislative District State Senate seat, who have kept to a fairly civil campaign. However, conflicting information and accusations linger outside their official campaign groups. After several unsuccessful attempts to hold various elected offices, Guy Palumbo has finally qualified as a candidate in the primary election, and won the endorsement of the Democratic Party. And now, he fields accusations from Rep. Moscoso that he is a Democratic of convenience and beholden to his large corporate donors. Is Palumbo’s serial pursuit of a public office and support from large single campaign donors necessarily an indication that he will not be an independent thinker as our Senator? Mindie Wirth has extensive experience in educational issues as a result of state and local participation in the PTA, but has this been too narrow a focus? And, as a working parent of three elementary aged children, can Wirth concentrate on her Senate duties and have the support of her employer and family to dedicate to the demands on a Senator? Are Wirth’s prior successes as an educational advocate and executive adequate preparation for the Senate?

The question of independence and dedication to an elected office are among the concerns people have for many candidates. A great way to get your questions answered is to attend forums and informal meet and greets. Be an informed voter.

Lying Wong, Bothell