Who are the voters across the Lehigh Valley the candidates will attempt to appeal to from now 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 best 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.

Couple that with an unsteady and unpredictable economy each of us wrestle with daily.

The voters the candidates will attempt to reach and impact are a varied group.

They represent the married couples, many of whom both work 40 hours a week. On top of their job responsibilities, some of these individuals return home after a long day of work to care for their children and in some cases, their own parents.

Another group of voters are the elderly, whose livelihood is at stake as they cast one single vote. The senior voting block relies on government programs that provide food for their tables, shelter and clothing for their bodies and much needed medical care and prescription drugs.

Recently graduated college and university students also represent a large segment of voters. These young people, whether already graduated or soon-to-be graduates, are now in the midst of an economy that continues to struggle in creating a boost of job opportunities and a rebirth of economic growth.

Our candidates will also try their very best to reach the nation's veterans. This group, who wore a uniform at one point in their lives and served each of us whether during wartime or peacetime, want and deserve a stronger veterans' health care system, a faster and more streamlined disability review system and a battalion of elected officials who will help to ensure America remains a strong and democratic nation.

Single mothers and fathers, pushing themselves day in and day out to provide a better life for their children, will appear at the voting precincts in just a few short weeks, as well. Job opportunities that aid in moving beyond mere survival into a state of greater independence, along with more affordable child care and health care programs might be on their list of voting criteria.

Small business owners, found throughout our communities, will also cast a vote hoping to elect a representative who will advocate for a system of taxation that allows their businesses to remain productive and economically viable.

And those diligently and vigorously searching for employment or greater employment opportunities will also vote for a group of candidates.

We all care about our communities and about America. We expect those we vote for and send off to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. to empathize with our hurts and 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 overcome and achieve, deserve nothing less.

Each candidate between now and election day must set aside party politics and his or her personal wants and place the agenda of their district's constituents above their own.

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

Nov. 6 could be a critical day, not just for the health and vitality of the nation – at large – but also for each borough, township and city in the state of Pennsylvania.

If and when a candidate or a campaign worker or volunteer knocks on your door or calls you before Nov. 6, share with them 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 cast your vote on election day.

Mark Reccek

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press