This grand Republic we have in America and in Wisconsin hinges on a couple of key truths. One of those truths is that elections are important—all elections. 2012 is a big election year in Wisconsin, from potential recall elections to the four regularly scheduled elections.  If you really want to make a difference in the important issues of our day, vote knowledgeably, responsibly and prayerfully in every election.

The first of the four regular elections this year happens next Tuesday, February 21.  Since there is no statewide office on the ballot this year, not all municipalities will have a primary for their local offices, but many will.  This primary is setting the ballot for the general nonpartisan spring election, which will be on Tuesday, April 3.  As a reminder, April 3 will also be Wisconsin’s Presidential Preference Primary.

In these two spring elections we will voting on candidates running for mayor, city council, town or village boards, county boards, school board, municipal judge, circuit judge, and perhaps some referenda brought by, most likely, school districts.  It bears repeating: the unit of government that most directly impacts our lives is local government.  We ignore these elections to our own harm.

Our system of government demands a knowledgeable and responsible constituency—but it is often difficult to find out about candidates and the issues at election time. This is especially true for local races such as those on the ballot next week and in April.

To help you get the information on these candidates, here are some important, practical suggestions that will assist you in discovering the important information you need to know before voting for a candidate in this upcoming primary.

1. Call your municipal clerk's office to find out if you have a primary.  If you do, then ask the clerk for a complete list of what offices and what candidates will be on the ballot. Ask the clerk how to get phone numbers for the candidates. If the clerk can't help, check your local phone directory, look on the Internet, and check any campaign literature. 

2.  Determine what the issues are for each office.

3. Call the candidates—either at their residence or at their campaign headquarters if there is one, which generally there isn’t for these local offices.

Here are some suggested general questions to ask the candidate:  What made you decide to run for public office?  Why are you running now for this particular position?  What issues do you consider most important in your campaign?  What's your view of the role of government?  Who has endorsed you?  Who has given you

Ask questions on the specific issues that are important to you and are pertinent to the office the candidate is seeking. To get a true picture of where the candidates stand, ask questions in a neutral way. For instance, ask a school board candidate what he/she thinks about the way schools are currently funded, not whether he/she believes the state should give the districts more money.

4. Read the local newspaper—look for articles, press releases, ads, letters to the editor, endorsements, and reports on forums or panels.  If you don't take the paper, visit your public library; they’ll have a copy.  Or borrow a copy from someone!

5. Find out about any candidate forums or other public appearances that are going to be held. The candidates should know; ask them when you call. Attend these events with your questions prepared. Write your questions down so you can submit them in advance, if necessary.

6. Stay alert for local radio programs or community cable stations that will feature interviews with the candidates.

7. Check the Internet to see if the candidate has a web site.  If you don't have a computer, visit your public library.

8. And finally, talk with knowledgeable people who are following your local political scene.  Find out what they know about the issues and the candidates.  Double-check with others who are also "in the know" if you have any question.

Remember, too, that Tuesday begins Voter ID here in Wisconsin. You need to produce a drivers’ license, a state-issued ID card, a military ID card or a student ID card if you plan to vote this Tuesday.  You will also need to sign the poll book.  Be prepared for changes in how you vote.

So much is going on today. One way we can make a difference in the issues of the day is to vote and to vote knowledgeably, responsibly and prayerfully. That’s why this week’s commentary is on this critical topic.    

This is Julaine Appling for Wisconsin Family Council reminding you the Prophet Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”