Who are the voters in the Lehigh Valley the candidates will attempt to appeal to until Nov. 6?

Whether your political affiliation is associated with the color red or blue, we all share one common desire: we want the candidate we vote for to represent our interests and the well-being of America.

Today, the political discourse among elected officials and those running for public office is contentious and rancorous.

And, that is coupled with an unsteady and unpredictable economy each of us wrestle with daily.

Voters who candidates attempt to impress are a varied group. They represent married couples, many of whom both work 40 hours a week.

In addition to their job responsibilities, some of these individuals return home after a long day at work to care for their children and, in some cases, their own parents.

Another group of voters are the elderly whose very lives may be determined by a single vote.

Seniors rely on government programs that provide food for their tables, shelter and clothing for their bodies and much needed medical care and prescription drugs.

College students also represent a large segment of voters. These young people, whether recently graduated or soon-to-be graduates, are now in the midst of an economy struggling to provide jobs and economic growth.

The candidates will also try their best to reach America's veterans.

These individuals, who wore a uniform at one time in their lives and served each of us during war or peacetime, deserve a stronger VA health care system, a faster and more streamlined VA disability review system and a battalion of elected officials who will help to ensure America remains a strong and democratic republic.

Single mothers and fathers, pushing themselves everyday to provide a better life for their children, will cast their ballots as well.

Job opportunities that would help them move beyond mere survival into a state of greater independence, along with more affordable child care and health care programs for their children might be on their list of voting criteria.

Small business owners will also vote, seeking a representative who will advocate for a system of taxation that will allow their businesses to be productive and economically viable.

And, let's not forget those searching for employment or greater employment opportunities who will also vote on Nov. 6.

We all care about our communities and about America. We expect those we vote for and send to Harrisburg or Washington, D.C. to empathize with our burdens and to carry with them our hopes, our desires and our wishes.

We, the people, who know what it's like to struggle daily, yet who overcome and achieve, deserve nothing less.

Candidates, between now and election day, must set aside party politics and their personal desires, and place the needs of their constituents above their own.

Whether Democrat, Republican or third party, the candidates should carefully take heed of what the voters need and deserve.

Election day could be a critical day, not just for the health and vitality of the nation but for each borough, township and city in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

If or when a candidate, campaign worker or volunteer knocks on your door or calls you before Nov. 6, tell that person who you are and what you are looking for in an elected official.

Exercise your right to express yourself.

And most importantly, exercise your right to vote on election day.

Mark Reccek

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press