It’s Election Day — time to go vote!
Tuesday, March 3 — Presidential Primary Election Day as California joins all the other Super Tuesday states.
With California’s Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act, which took effect Jan. 1, 2011, the top two vote-getters in the primary election — regardless of party preference — move on to the general election. The act does not apply to candidates running for U.S. President or local offices.
In the local races, the top-two vote getters will square off against each other in November unless a candidate receives 50 percent of the vote plus one. Such a candidate would be appointed in lieu of election.
With only two candidates on the ballot, Republicans will have an easier choice in nominating a presidential candidate for their party in the Presidential Primary Election.
Democrats, on the other hand, have a head-scratching 20 candidates from which to choose a nominee.
Incumbent Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa faces Republican Joseph Letourneau IV, Democrat Audrey Denny and No Party Preference Gregory Edward Cheadle in the District 1 Congressional race.
Incumbent Republican State Senator Brian Dahle faces Democrat Pamela Dawn Schwartz and No Party Preference Linda Kelleher in the District 1 State Senate race.
Incumbent Megan Dahle faces Democrat Elizabeth Betancourt and No Party Preference PK “Paul” Dhanuka is the District 1 State Assembly race.
Incumbent Lassen County Supervisor Christopher Gallagher faces challengers Randy Darrow and Nicholas McBride in the Lassen County Supervisor District 1 race.
Incumbent Lassen County Supervisor David Teeter faces challenger Gary Bridges in the Lassen County Supervisor District 2 race.
Incumbent City Councilmembers Joe Franco, Kevin Stafford and Brian Wilson face challengers Rod DeBoer, Thomas Herrera and Quincy McCourt.
The top-three vote getters will be elected and sworn in later in the month.
City of Susanville residents also will vote on Measure N, the 1-percent sales tax increase that will be used entirely to fund public safety.
Voters also will decide Yes or No on state Measure 13 — a $15 million general obligation bond for the construction and modernization of public education facilities.
Casting a ballot on Election Day allows all citizens to play a role in directing the ship of state at the local, county, state and federal levels. It is nothing short of a duty of citizenship, and as John Locke said, voting is the natural right of the self-governed.
Do your part — cast your vote today at your polling place. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you vote by mail, it may be too late to let the post office deliver your ballot. But you can drop it off at the Lassen County Clerk’s Office or at the drop box in the driveway near the old jail and the Historic Lassen County Courthouse by 8 p.m. today.
Be assured — your vote will count, and your vote will make a difference.
Thank you for your participation in the affairs of our great land.
