Don’t waste chance to vote

One of the most powerful constituencies in American democracy is voters. While the electorate turns out in droves to vote in the presidential election, voters are less likely to exercise their democratic right in non-presidential, off-year elections. Nonetheless, the off-year competitions often have more direct influence on your quality of life.

In addition to numerous local races, this year’s election includes bids for the state’s highest courts. Two candidates, both with experience as superior court judges, are vying for a spot on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which hears cases of the Superior and Commonwealth courts, including those from the Court of Common Pleas that involve the death penalty. Also up for grabs are four spots on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. The state Superior Court is one of two intermediate appellate courts and hears all criminal and civil appeals from the Court of Common Pleas, except for those dealing with the death penalty. Approximately 8,000 new criminal and civil cases were appealed to the state Superior Court in 2007, including those involving the rights and needs of children, according to the annual report.

Also with intermediate appellate jurisdiction, the Commonwealth Court has two vacancies for justices, who will hear cases generally limited to legal matters involving government and regulatory agencies. Topics generally include issues such as banking, insurance and utility regulation and laws affecting taxation, land use, elections, labor practices and workers’ compensation.

At the local level, former Clearfield County Assistant District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller, a Democrat, is challenging incumbent Michael Madeira, a Republican, in the race for district attorney. Both are competing for an opportunity to ensure and maintain a safe environment in Happy Valley.

If the aforementioned topics don’t inspire you to exercise your democratic responsibility, maybe having your say about municipal governance and the future of your local school systems will. Competitions throughout the county include races for district judge, tax collector, borough council, school board and mayor.

If you haven’t already done so, make plans to vote in Tuesday’s election. It’s not too late to become informed about the upcoming election before you go to the polls. Review the Centre Daily Times Voters’ Guide atcentre daily.com/voters-guideor visit the Pennsylvania Department of State voting information site at www.votespa.com or the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center at www.palwv.org.