Make your voice heard: Vote

Voters across our community, state and nation will have their say today. The decisions that are made in the polling places, for all levels of government, will have lasting consequences. So choose wisely.

Over the past week, we've identified the candidates and referendums we support and the reasons for our choices. We've made those decisions on a race-by-race basis, picking a mix of Republicans, Democrats and Independents in the process. We suggest that you also consider each candidate on his or her own merits, regardless of party.

But if you do vote a straight-party ticket, remember that you must still make individual decisions to have your voice heard in the nonpartisan school-board elections and those referendum questions.

And regardless of whether you agree with our arguments or follow our advice, exercise your self-governing right — and obligation — by casting informed votes.

A review of our endorsements:

President

Republican John McCain's vastly superior experience gives him a decisive edge in the presidential race. He's a moderate conservative with a long, distinguished history of bipartisan achievements. And he's much closer to the political center than Barack Obama — a key consideration in light of the certain strengthening of the Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate.

U.S. Senate

Republican Lindsey Graham has established himself as a prominent force for both conservative principles and practical, cross-party compromise during his first term in the U.S. Senate. His strong stands on a number of important issues, including the successful surge in Iraq, America's continuing anti-terror mission, entitlement reform and energy independence, have earned him a second term.

U.S. House

Republican Henry E. Brown Jr., of the 1st District, has established an impressive record as an advocate for a strong national defense and providing for military veterans. He'll work for better national policies governing energy and transportation.

Democrat James E. Clyburn, as majority whip in the U.S. House, is a major player in Congress. That well-earned status and his continued efforts on behalf of the 6th District, including his push for needed infrastructure along the I-95 corridor, make him an obvious choice for re-election.

S.C. Senate, S.C. House

Independent Bill Collins, as a petition candidate, would bring a fresh viewpoint to the S.C. Senate if he wins the District 38 race. He correctly identifies overdue changes in education funding and the need to deal with growth as vital issues. Democrat Robert Ford, the longtime incumbent in Senate District 42, has demonstrated a willingness and ability to work across party lines for positive change. He will be a strong supporter for needed port development.

Republican Steven Smith, a political newcomer, stresses the importance of accountability and fiscal responsibility in his quest to oust the incumbent in House District 109.

Democrat Leon Stavrinakis, seeking his second term from District 119, has fostered the same sort of bipartisan cooperation in the House that he previously promoted as chairman of Charleston County Council. He is a strong proponent of education-funding reform.

Republican Wallace Scarborough, seeking a fifth term from House District 115, has been a solid supporter of conservative economic policies and land conservation during his first four terms. He has been instrumental in obtaining critical funding to save the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Democrat Vida Miller of Pawleys Island has remained strong for education, conservation and road funding through six terms from House District 108.

Republican George Bailey, who's trying to win back the House District 97 seat he lost in 2006, has been an effective champion for small businesses and now supports Gov. Mark Sanford's restructuring efforts.

Charleston Co. School Board

Mattese Lecque, who's seeking one of the two open North Area seats, stresses that high dropout rates inevitably produce high crime rates. The Burke High graduate, who has served as major in the Air Force Reserves, a physician's assistant for the federal Bureau of Prisons and an instructor in a federal law enforcement academy, supports school choice as a practical means of expanding educational opportunities.

Elizabeth Kandrac, a long-time teacher in low-income schools, also is running in the North Area. She knows from experience that adequate discipline must be achieved to rescue struggling schools.

Incumbent David Engelman, trying to retain one of the two West Ashley seats on the ballot today, has consistently backed charter schools, and has proposed posting all of the district's non-salary expenses on line to provide overdue public scrutiny.

Also running in West Ashley, Chris Fraser, a former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce's Education Foundation, rightly emphasizes the critical link between a successful public-school system and economic development.

Marvin Stewart, a former teacher seeking the single downtown seat on the ballot, is a longtime member of the District 20 constituent board. He was an effective advocate for the Math & Science charter school. He supports school choice and more vocational programs, particularly in schools with long-standing academic problems.

Charleston County Council

Coakley Hilton, an independent who grew up in North Charleston, would bring an impressive background in business management to council as it struggles to make ends meet.

Republican incumbent Curtis Bostic has been a positive force for fiscal restraint on council, and was the architect of the county's successful Greenbelt Bank.

Democratic incumbent Colleen Condon has been an effective bipartisan voice for more regional cooperation in planning and transportation.

Charleston County coroner

Democratic challenger Henry Middleton would bring extensive experience in crime-scene investigation to the Charleston County coroner's office.

He's also a strong supporter of restoring the medical examiner's system, which county council eliminated a decade ago.

Referendum questions

Berkeley County voters should vote "in favor of change" to a council-administrator form of government and "in favor of adding a ninth member" to county council who shall be elected at-large.

Voters across the state should choose to delete a provision of the S.C. Constitution that sets the age of consent for unmarried females at 14 by voting "yes."

Voters should answer "yes" to a state referendum question, Amendment 2, allowing broader investment options for the health insurance fund for state retirees. Vote "no" on the final question, Amendment 3, to allow equity investments of retiree benefit funds by local governments.