Open forum: The League of Women Voters Asks ‘How Informed Is Your Vote?’

The League of Women Voters
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President of LWV Gwen-Marie Moolenaar (Submitted photo)

The League of Women Voters of the USVI asks citizens the following question: “How Informed is your vote?”  Test yourself here:

Part A: Add 10 points for each of the following statements to which you can answer Yes:

My vote is informed primarily by:

  • Incumbents’ records of accomplishments (Promises Kept; Bills; Committee Attendance)
  • Aspirants’ professional background and relative experiences/ accomplishments
  • Senatorial candidates and gubernatorial team forums on the League of Women Voters “Meet the Candidates Forums” on WTJX TV. See: www.lwvvi.org/lwv-candidate-interviews or www.facebook.com/wtjx or www.facebook.com/lwvvi
  • Gubernatorial candidates debates by The Consortium in collaboration with WTJX. See: www.facebook.com/wtjx or www.viconsortium.com; by the AARP VI on the YouTube channels of both AARP VI and WTJX
  • Radio interviews with candidates for elective Boards, Senators’ seats, Governor Teams (e.g. on “Analyze This” on WTJX radio or www.lwvvi.org or www.wtjx.com or on other local radio programs)
  • Daily News Elections Supplement (issued Oct. 13, 2022)

Part B: Subtract 10 Points for each of the following in Part B to which you can answer YES:

My vote is informed primarily by:

  • Place of birth or ethnicity of the candidate
  • Age, gender or looks of the candidate
  • Religious and/or sexual preference/identity of the candidate
  • Free t-shirts, food fairs, musical events and campaign paraphernalia
  • Copying my friends’ families and bosses’ choices

Part C:  Add Zero points for each of the following to which you can answer YES:

 My vote is informed primarily by:

  • Radio or TV jingles for candidates
  • The candidate asked me for a vote
  • Candidate handouts/flyers/brochures
  • Promises made by the candidate

If you score at least 30 points, then you can feel comfortable that yours is an informed vote, meaning that you have used meaningful information to determine which candidates could best serve the territory.

Even one choice in Part B is troublesome because these items have little or nothing to do with identifying candidates best suited to address the issues facing our territory.  The same is also basically true for Part C.  It’s not too late to become better informed.

Take Charge.  Cast an informed vote. Our Territory sorely needs it.

Editor’s note: Gwen-Marie Moolenaar is the president of the League of Women Voters – USVI.