It’s election day in PA: Here’s why the bottom of the ballot matters

Democracy depends on an informed electorate. Do your part.

If you’re voting in Pennsylvania today, chances are you know what you think about the high-profile race.

But I want you to spend half an hour thinking about those less talked-about races, because they matter a lot. State government holds a lot of the legal and financial levers that control our lives, but many of us couldn’t name our state legislators if we had to.

Some of those races are contested, and while the candidates may not be on TV, you can find out a few things about them by spending a little time on that Internet thang. A few folks running in this election are asking for your vote while facing criminal corruption charges. Other distinctions may be more subtle, but consult sources you trust among the media, policy advocates and friends — and try and make an informed choice.

We got all kinds of stuff to consider. There are three ballot questions for Philadelphia voters, including a proposal to let city elected officials run for another office without resigning their current posts. And there’s a lieutenant governor’s race, featuring a Mike, two Marks, a Brad and a Brandon.

You’re probably wishing you’d paid more attention. Well, do what you can in the time you have before you pull the lever, and resolve to get clued in sooner next time. Democracy depends on an informed electorate. Do your part.