During this time of the pandemic, many in this country have discovered how their ability to vote can be compromised by circumstances beyond their control. It is also evident that without rallies, forums and debates, learning about candidates and ballot initiatives has become increasingly difficult.

Organizations like city clubs, public radio stations and the League of Women Voters are working to get that information out to voters by running online forums. The public can check their websites for information about online events they can watch or listen to. The League of Women Voters of Oregon has an online voter’s guide with state candidates and ballot initiative information.

The national LWV has a site, Vote411.org, that allows you to enter your address and then provides initiatives and candidates for positions up for election in your area. Additionally, it has a candidate's answers to League questions and any supplementary information they choose to provide about their qualifications and positions on issues.

We all can still make informed decisions for our elections. It may take a little more effort, but it is now even more apparent that those decisions have profound effects on our lives and well-being. Our choices matter.

Paula Grisafi, Eugene