There’s only one hot local race in SLO County. You should vote anyway | Opinion

Based on the number of California ballots returned so far, political analysts are predicting the possibility of a historically low turnout in Tuesday’s primary election. And most of those who do turn out will be older, white voters.

The marquee race is one of the biggest reasons voters are turned off. Barring some miracle, the presidential nominees will be Joe Biden and Donald Trump, so why bother voting when the outcome is preordained?

On top of that, in San Luis Obispo County there aren’t many down-ballot races. Only one of three Board of Supervisors races is contested. Three Superior Court judges up for reelection — Crystal Tindell Seiler, Catherine J. Swysen and Michael C. Kelley — are running unopposed and none of the incumbents running for Congress or state legislature faces a serious challenge.

But there are still plenty of reasons to vote. Here are 10, specially curated for SLO County voters:

1. You live in District 5

Two members of the Atascadero City Council — Mayor Heather Moreno and Mayor Pro Tem Susan Funk — are in a tight race to succeed Supervisor Debbie Arnold. With only two candidates on the ballot, this is it. Whoever finishes first will be the next District 5 supervisor.

As for the other supervisor races, the two incumbents up for reelection — John Peschong in District 1 and Dawn Ortiz-Legg in District 3 — are running unopposed, though the Republican Party is urging its members to write in musician/business owner Michelle Morrow for District 3.

(If you’re looking for input on the race, here’s our endorsement for District 5, and here’s what our readers have to say.)

2. You’re a Katie Porter fan

The way things are looking, Rep. Adam Schiff will finish first in the U.S. Senate race, and it’s a toss-up as to whether Rep. Porter or former Dodger baseball player and political neophyte Steve Garvey will come in second. If Garvey, a Republican, were to advance to the November general election there’s no way he can beat Schiff in November, not in deep blue California.

If you believe Porter is more deserving of a spot on the November ballot — or you just want to see a more competitive race — you can’t sit this one out.

3. You care about mental health and housing

Proposition 1 would shift $140 million per year from the “millionaire’s tax” passed by voters in 2004 to fund mental health facilities and housing for veterans and homeless people. Counties would receive less funding for mental health, drug and alcohol treatment programs. (McClatchy California editorial boards, including The Tribune, recommend voting yes.)

4. You want to make a statement

An underdog candidate — Nikki Halley, for instance — may not capture many votes, but you owe it to yourself to vote your values. If enough people agree with you, it could send a powerful message. (One bit of advice: As tempting as it may be to write in “none of the above” or “Mickey Mouse” those weird write-ins just slow down the vote-counting process.)

5. You’re on a streak

If you haven’t missed an election in 10, 20 or 30 years, don’t ruin your record now. And if you’re a new voter, it’s never to soon to start a streak.

6. Your children are watching

There is evidence that parents can pass on political apathy to their children and, conversely, that parents who are consistent voters can help their children develop the habit of voting. If you want your children to be voters, set an example.

7. Every vote matters. Really

Just look at the last election. Supervisor Bruce Gibson won by just 13 votes. Enough said.

8. You can have it your way

Remember when there were actual lines at polling places? Now we have options. You can pop your ballot in the mail or in an approved ballot drop box. No waiting in line!

Or, you can go to your polling place to vote in person. There probably won’t be any lines there either, since most voters go the mail-in route.

9. We’re part of Super Tuesday!

California used to hold its primary in June, after the presidential nominations were more or less locked in.

Now we’re one of 15 states voting on March 5, in an event that gets almost as much hype as the Super Bowl. (Minus the entertainment.) It’s a chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Besides, a ballot is a terrible thing to waste.

10. You want to flaunt your ‘I voted’ sticker

It may not have the cache of a Stanley cup, but the sticker is proof of your civic-mindedness. Plus, sometimes merchants offer special deals to customers who flash their “I voted” sticker.

If you vote by mail, the sticker is included in your vote-by-mail packet. Just be careful when you peel it off the page. You wouldn’t want it to rip.

Happy Super Tuesday, voters!

This story was originally published March 1, 2024 at 5:00 AM.