An uninformed vote is a waste

This November there will be a special election for New Mexico. It will be the first time our state will elect a female governor. However, with all the excitement and anticipation, it is important to not ignore the issues. Every election is serious and every vote must be educated. These two women vary on issues, and their approaches toward similar goals are completely different.

An uneducated vote is a wasted vote. I believe that you shouldn’t vote because the candidate is of a certain party, race or gender. You should vote because you believe a candidate’s ideas seem like valid routes towards a better future. I hope that you find this chart outlining both candidates’ key points helpful in your decision to vote.

Each vote counts towards the future. A ballot is the only way the common person can be represented in the government. Do not silence yourself.

In my opinion, both candidates are educated and strong women with stances on the issues facing New Mexicans. However, they vary a lot on their approaches to issues.

Susana Martinez has a comprehensive education plan, which Diane Denish is lacking. She neglects to touch on how she will assist in the 13 years between pre-school and graduation, though I do applaud her pre-kindergarten effort and support of graduation initiatives.

Both candidates’ plans for economic growth are similar: increase jobs, fund small businesses and cut government spending. Diane Denish does have more plans to increase employment, like encouraging the local agricultural community. Martinez promises to not raise taxes.

When it comes to healthcare, both prioritize children’s health care and want to make it easier for employers to provide health insurance for employees. Denish overlooks people who buy health insurance and the desires for more healthcare options, which Martinez takes a strong stance on giving incentives and options. Martinez also seeks to protect doctors, which Denish does not.

Both take a hard stance on crime. Denish has innovative ideas for increasing arrest rates, though I support Martinez’s saying she will take on violent criminals and drunk drivers.

When it comes to border issues, Martinez’s ideas to make it easier to identify illegal immigrants and discourage illegal immigrants are simple and save money while Denish will increase security, but at great financial cost.
I put my two cents in. What is your two cents? No one will know unless you vote.

BOX: To earn your two cents, visit DianeDenish.com and SusanaMartinez2010.com.