Kindergarten registration now available for WVW

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Despite 2016 budget not yet being passed, Gov. Tom Wolf is focusing on 2017 budget

It has promises, so many big and tantalizing promises made to you. It contains drama, intrigue and more than a few verifiable lies. Its characters rival any Tarantino film, each with his or her political leanings and ideals, plus a blend of ambition, bluster and, yes, baggage.

The 2016 presidential race – featuring the likes of Donald, Marco, Ted, Hillary and Bernie – has a whole lot.

But does it have your attention?

It should; the outcome of this election figures to have far-ranging implications for Pennsylvanians. The ultimate winner, to be decided in November, gets to set not only the nation’s tone for the next four years or more, but potentially the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court for the next few decades.

Today, New Hampshire’s primary takes center stage. Before you know it, however, our Keystone State could be a decider in the Republican field, Democratic field, or both.

Much will change in the two contests between now and April 26, when Pennsylvania’s registered voters in the dominant parties can go to the polls and support their respective favorites.

Until then, keep in mind these election-related tidbits:

• Online voter registration is available in Pennsylvania. Beyond county elections offices and driver’s license centers, you can register online via <a href="https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx" target="_blank">an application</a> on the Department of State-run website, www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us.

If you want to participate in the upcoming primary, the last day to register as a voter is March 28. Why wait?

• Aside from helping to decide who occupies the Oval Office, Pennsylvania voters this year will determine who holds a U.S. Senate seat and various congressional posts. Ditto for who serves in statewide offices including attorney general and auditor general.

By next week, the slate of contenders for the closed primary races will be finalized. Independent candidates may join the fray before the state’s general election, Nov. 8.

• Separate the fact from full-of-hot-air fabrications. When evaluating the presidential hopefuls’ debate performances and stump speeches, consult authoritative websites such as <a href="http://www.factcheck.org/" target="_blank">FactCheck.org</a> and <a href="http://www.politifact.com/" target="_blank">PolitiFact.com</a>. Another trusted resource for making informed decisions: <a href="http://votesmart.org/" target="_blank">www.votesmart.org</a>.

Wilkes-Barre resident Becky McCuen probably summarized the viewpoint of many area residents regarding this year’s presidential race when, immediately after the Iowa caucuses, she <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/508771/after-seeing-results-in-iowa-many-local-voters-remain-undecided" target="_blank">told the Times Leader</a>: “I see some good in all of the candidates. But I also see a lot of bad.

“It’s not going to be an easy decision.”


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Our Opinion: Brace for presidential race to hit Pennsylvania; register early, get the facts and vote