If you haven’t yet turned in your ballot, perhaps it’s because you think there’s no reason to vote in so many uncontested races. Here’s another way to look at it.

In the public hospital district election, which is my focus here, no one chose to run after four people signed up early on the first day for the four vacant seats, and so the public was deprived of a spirited campaign.

There was much to campaign about.

Many of us believed — many of YOU believed — that the board needed to take a more transparent approach, but instead, its meetings were moved from 5 p.m. in a room with equipment that offered online public access both during and after meetings to 3 p.m. in a room without such access. Numerous special meetings were held, all during working hours.

AnnaLisa Lindstrum, elected two years ago, is the sole continuing member of the board and she has contended throughout her term so far that the public is entitled to such access.

The four candidates now running take the same approach, and we can anticipate that future meetings will be accessible to all.

We can also anticipate their support for prudent fiscal decisions, for the unwavering support of Planned Parenthood as an alternative source of health care and for a fresh look at the health care needs of islanders.

Please fill out your ballot for Gail Leschine-Seitz, Everett Clary, Kyle Loring and Trish Lehman and turn it in before Nov. 6.

Louise Dustrude

Friday Harbor