BLOG: What's in a Campaign Sign?

As I have been driving around Citrus Heights these last few weeks before the election, I have noticed many more election signs for one particular candidate for Citrus Heights City Council. I've also noticed just a bit less of another candidate and noticeably few of all the others. It's made me wonder why, as with many elections, we tend to see many more of one or two candidate's signs on our streets, empty lots, store fronts, homes and other properties, and perceptibly less of others.

The casual observer, as I admit to having been in the past, might deduce this is because the candidates with the most signs are working the hardest to get their names out there, or are already better known, so must be more politically deserving of our votes...so that's who I should vote for! As I reflect on it now, this many very well be the intent! But, am I buying into it? If I vote for candidates mainly on the criteria of the most signage visibility, (or mailings) without knowing anything about them or their competition, haven't I allowed someone else to decide for me who I should vote for? This applies to Measures and Propositions also.

My next question then is why is it not more equal when it comes to election signage? Is it simply a matter of backing, which usually comes with financial funding, and not so much to do with actual qualifications? The most money, the most signs?

I'm now beginning to understand that even at the local level this is the political system we live in: those with the most money have more resources available to advertise to the public. But at what price besides dollars spent? If this is true, then I have to ask and check it out for myself - 'who is financially supporting the candidates, and contributing to their resources'? Are their interests and political beliefs also aligned with mine?

How can I make my own choice? If this is inevitable and has to be accepted as an election inequity, what can I do to make sure I am no longer a 'voting victim' of the most signs or mailings, or end up just voting for the first names on the ballot, (which I also admit I have done in the past)?

First, I can check out all the candidates myself. City websites, including Citrus Heights, have all the candidate's statements and where they stand on issues. Candidates also have their own websites and are open to personal and e-mail inquiries. And of course, we see their statements here on Patch.

Next, I can get an idea of what they stand for by who is endorsing them - is the, business, organization, etc. one that I respect and lines up with my own political beliefs?

Finally it is important of course to get to know the candidates personally at a public debate, forum or other neighborhood or campaign event. Just meeting or watching someone in front of a group, you can get a feel for whom you like...and trust. It's good to keep in mind, the way Citrus Height's City Council is set up, whoever is elected to City Council will most likely be your mayor one day.

It may be true that what's in an election sign - and mailings - is a lot of money. But that won't matter if we are educated on the candidate's platform, their prior and present involvement in and contributions to the welfare of their city, and their familiarity with the workings of it's government. Knowing this should assure our chosen candidate is a winner in more ways than one. In the end, I ask that you become an informed voter, as Citrus Heights is worth it!

Vote for Voice Community Forum: Hear from SJUSD Board of Education and City of Citrus Heights candidates and get information of Measure N and K. tonight, Thursday, November 1 at New San Juan High School from 6 to 7:30 PM at 7551 Greenback Lane.