Dear Y.E.S.S.,

My question is about elections for government officials, which is the case on Kauai, and the state of Hawaii today. We are raised to expect that our individual vote is important, and will make a difference in the outcome. But how are we to decide Awhich@ individual should receive our vote? What are the standards, criteria or principals for deciding? Is it years of experience? Is it ethnicity of the candidate=s name? Is it the candidate=s party affiliation? Or is it based on what you Aknow@ or for that matter, Awhat you don=t know@ about that person or Acandidate@? More importantly, if you don=t know the candidates or anything about them, is it better to just vote at all?

Dear Justice,

Recent election was the first opportunity for me to vote in this country since my naturalization in September of last year. I registered and voted for both primary and general. However, to tell the truth, I did not know lots of candidates. Sometime I go to Kauai council meeting to deliver an aspiration, so I know most of their faces. Also, lots of candidates mailed me their campaign brochure, souvenir, misinformation, and so forth. However, I did not read most of them. I am sorry! From next time, I need to study about candidates.

At any rate, it is our right and our duty to vote. Depend on your vote, your county, state, country, and nation will be changed. As a Buddhist, you must actively participate in the election. Your vote should reflect your belief on the Buddhist way of life. Prejudice or irrespective of class and color of the candidates should not play any parts in casting your vote.

In Buddhism, we particularly express our gratitude to four things. They are parents, country, community, and the Buddha and his teachings. We are truly grateful for all the candidates who willing to serve for the community and country for seeking further betterment of our nation. Let us express our gratitude and appreciation by voting them on the election day.