GUEST COMMENTARY
by Senator Tanya Storer
The following commentary was submitted by State Senator Tanya Storer. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sandhills Express or KCNI/KBBN.
As November 3 approaches, our mailboxes, televisions, phones, and social media feeds are filling with campaign messages. Unfortunately, far too many focus on attacking opponents rather than explaining what a candidate stands for or hopes to accomplish.
Campaigns have never been free from criticism, nor should they be. Voters deserve to know a candidate’s record, character, and positions on important issues. But there is a difference between honest debate and political messaging designed to mislead, distort facts, or damage someone’s reputation.
I believe one of the most important questions we should ask any candidate is simple: What will you do to make life better for the people you hope to represent, is your plan constitutionally grounded, and do you truly understand the communities you are asking to serve?
Election integrity begins with informed voters. We often think of election integrity in terms of secure ballots, accurate vote counts, and fair election procedures. Those safeguards are essential, but so is our responsibility to seek the truth before casting a vote.
Elections can stir strong emotions, but our decisions should be guided by facts, thoughtful consideration, and the fundamental principles upon which our nation was founded. Does a candidate demonstrate honesty and integrity? Do their positions reflect a commitment to individual liberty, limited government, economic freedom and the constitutional freedoms that protect our basic God-given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? These questions should matter more than political personalities or campaign slogans, and remember, not every candidate necessarily supports those foundational American principles.
It is also important to remember that we will never agree with any elected official 100% of the time. A disagreement over one vote or issue should encourage us to ask questions rather than automatically conclude someone needs to be replaced. Understanding why a candidate voted a certain way can be just as important as the vote itself. Consider their broader record, consistency, and the principles guiding their decisions.
Likewise, we often hear the call that “we need change.” But change simply for the sake of change is not necessarily good. Change can be positive or negative. Before embracing that message, ask: What specifically needs to change, why, and what will be better as a result? Without those answers, “change” is little more than a campaign slogan, famously coined by former President Obama.
For those of us in Legislative District 43, another important consideration is whether a candidate truly understands and respects rural Nebraska. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, while sparse populations and vast distances create unique challenges in maintaining schools, health care, emergency services, and essential infrastructure. One-size-fits-all state-wide government policies often do not work for our communities. We should expect candidates to understand these realities and explain how their policies will protect our freedoms and strengthen our rural way of life.
With today’s technology and social media, misleading information can spread faster than ever. Fortunately, voters have resources to help separate fact from political rhetoric. The Nebraska Secretary of State’s website (sos.nebraska.gov) provides official ballot and election information, while nebraskalegislature.gov allows voters to review senators’ legislation, recorded votes, and legislative debate. Nonpartisan resources such as Vote411.org, VoteSmart.org, and FactCheck.org offer additional information about candidates, their positions, and political claims. Campaign financial disclosures are also available through the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission at nadc.nebraska.gov.
No single source tells the whole story. Review original records, compare information, and ask candidates directly about their positions. Remember what “assuming” can result in. The same responsibility applies to ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments, where understanding the actual language and consequences of a YES or NO vote is especially important.
Our right to vote is a freedom generations of Americans have worked and sacrificed to preserve. We honor that responsibility not simply by showing up at the polls, but by making thoughtful, informed decisions.
An informed electorate, grounded in constitutional principles rather than political rhetoric, is one of the strongest safeguards of our representative government. Regardless of whom you support or how you vote, I encourage you to seek the facts, ask questions, and vote according to principles that safeguard American freedoms and values. Our communities, our state, and our country deserve nothing less.
As your state senator, I remain committed to listening to the people of District 43 and carrying your concerns and ideas forward into the Legislature. Your voice matters, both on Election Day and throughout the year.
Please note my email address has changed to [email protected].
Respectfully,
Senator Tanya Storer
Legislative District 43
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (402) 471-2628
Website: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?District=43
