Some complain that they should be asked to vote without a named opponent (of course, you can always write in your own).

But there are two good reasons for voting in uncontested elections:

1. No opposition may indicate that the job is burdensome and thankless. If someone is willing to take up that burden in public service, thank them by showing your vote of support and confidence in their work for you!

2. No opposition may also indicate that the candidate can do or is doing work of a quality that no one feels they can match. Thank that person with your vote and encourage that person to make a career of it.

For contest isn’t the point in these cases; public service is.

Bill Appel,

Friday Harbor

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