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Guest: Please exercise your right to vote

By Tom MacDonald - | Oct 27, 2021

Courtesy Photo

Tom Macdonald

On Monday, I was pleased to see my mailer entitled “Great things are happening in Orem” had arrived in my mailbox. Of course, I had drafted that piece and was aware that it would point out the positive things that are being done in Orem. I knew that in that piece there would be no negative campaigning or stone-throwing at any campaign, group or individual. I feel strongly that if all political mailers could be positive, like this one, the citizens of Orem could focus on the good in the world and make informed decisions based on positive, forthright campaigning.

Regrettably, in that same mailbox was a “dark” mailer sent by those who prefer to throw stones, promote negativity and outright lies.  Ironically it came from a group who call themselves, “Orem Citizens for Election Ethics.” Orem has experienced this type of negative campaigning in the past. Gratefully, informed voters not only see these campaign tactics for the baseless attacks they are but are typically put off by these claims. These very tactics are, to a great extent, responsible for discouraging good people from wanting to get involved in politics. Others become turned off to the entire process and don’t vote at all.

Late on Monday evening, as I was contemplating writing this piece, I was pleased to receive a text from a fellow candidate for Orem City Council who wrote: “I hope that you are holding up ok with all the political misrepresentation swirling about. I’ve always appreciated that you are a part of the coalition of reason.” I thanked him for writing and I now call on all responsible candidates, neighborhood groups, and citizens to denounce this type of mudslinging.

Your voice needs to be heard more than ever. It is sad that we have experienced far less than 50% of registered voters exercising their right to participate in the Orem city election process. Remember that Orem’s future should be decided by the majority of the people, not by a few vocal, divisive individuals.

Please do not pass on your Constitutional right to vote for those who will lead Orem in a positive direction.

Thank you for reading this and please cast your vote today.

Tom Macdonald is a candidate for the Orem City Council.

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