Nov. 3 is Election Day. If you haven’t voted, we urge you to do so. Ballots must be postmarked by that day or deposited into an election dropbox by 8 p.m. Election Day.

As of Oct. 26, only 12.5 percent of registered voters had returned their ballots. Don’t let a small minority make a decision for the majority. Cast your ballot.

The people elected to office Nov. 3 will be empowered to make decisions regarding municipal services, education, fire protection, parks and recreation, economic development in Port Orchard and our port districts, the health of our marine environment, and the quality, supply and delivery of water.

They will manage your tax dollars, and they will make decisions on your behalf. 

Also on your ballot are state initiatives about the sales-tax rate and the trafficking of animal species threatened with extinction; and advisory votes on legislation related to taxes imposed on crude oil (for oil-spill response), medical marijuana and software manufacturers.

Read the voters’ pamphlet you received in the mail; you also can read it online at www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections.htm, and get links to candidate websites.

Needless to say, it’s a snap to vote. Check off the boxes next to the candidates you choose, place the ballot in the supplied envelope, stick a stamp on it and drop it in the mail. But you also can drop off your ballot at a drop box at this Port Orchard location:

Kitsap County Auditor’s Office – Election Division

619 Division St.

Port Orchard

Visit our website www.portorchardindependent.com on Election Night for local results.