So, local politicians are weighing in on the presidential election by way of voicing endorsements for their party’s candidates. This one supports Joe and that one supports Bernie. The opposition is strongly backing their incumbent and is “all in” with no options available.

Do these endorsements truly mean anything to any of us?

Who in this world would individually influence which candidate you would choose?

Pennsylvania primaries are interesting because they are closed. You have to be registered to vote by party and only can vote for a candidate registered as a candidate in that party.

In a world where too much information is available at the click of a mouse, would you really cast your vote based on what a local politician advises?

We don’t do endorsements here, although people from both parties call and accuse us of favoring the opposition. Our calls are a pretty even split of accusations, so we must be fairly equal in our positions.

Every vote counts and every voter’s opinion should count. Truly, there are times when one candidate or another is better positioned to help your community, your profession, your lifestyle or your stage in life. Great, that is a reason to cast your vote for that person.

Maybe this would make a good checklist, but you still have to choose an order in which the various positions are most important. Does the candidate’s position on taxes match yours? What about on education funding? Does the office they are seeking have any influence on your health care? How about military spending and powers within the office they will hold? Do you want to give up all your choices and vote the straight party ticket?

If you have a political idol that you feel so strongly mirrors your thoughts and your positions, then maybe this won’t apply to you.

But at whatever level of politics your interests lay, look hard at your choices and ask that old question: If this person gets elected, will I be best represented?

Particularly in local elections, party affiliation should have little influence on your decision. Butler County residents have choices and a good variation between candidates.

Make your vote count for you, rather than giving someone else the power of your vote.