Straight ticket voting (S.T.V.) or straight party voting means a voter can choose their preferred party’s entire slate of candidates with a single ballot mark. Only six states still allow it. New Hampshire abolished it in 2007. Now you must fill the oval next to each candidate’s name. People who were for S.T.V. said it saves time, and people against it said it made it possible for extremists in a party to get elected, since they are grouped with more moderate members in their party. Isn’t it wiser to study what each candidate is in favor of doing? In our state the candidates for governor differ on education policies. On safety one believes we need to increase police and security, while the other believes we need stronger background checks on gun ownership, and the banning of assault weapons.

On climate change and reducing our carbon imprint one favors expanding clean energy, and one says it would be too costly. On many other issues they differ. Candidates running for other offices also have opposite answers. There is so much negativity with truth and lies. Do not believe the internet or political advertisements by either party unless you check them on official certified fact check sites. End the stalemate of no compromise between our two parties, and get our government working again as a true respectable democracy.

Joan Lamson

New London