Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Letters to the EditorFull AccessContested ElectionsWilliam Braden, M.D.William Braden, M.D.Published Online:2 Mar 2007https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.42.5.0032aI am writing to disagree with Dr. Pedro Ruiz about the value of voting for APA officers (Psychiatric News, December 1, 2006). Democracy is a good thing, but to vote responsibly includes making an effort to inform oneself about the candidates and issues. I don't think the choices justify such an effort.Reading the information in the annual election issue of Psychiatric News by a pair of candidates running for office in APA's 2007 election, I saw that both listed very similar priorities for APA. Character is very important, but I have no direct knowledge of it. I assume that both candidates are of good character, as they were nominated by peers who have worked with them. So in many APA elections, I often find myself choosing based on silly things like gender, geographic origin, academic versus nonacademic job, and so forth.I remember when just one candidate was nominated, and that system worked about as well as the present one. Please don't misunderstand me. I don't think voting is important; I do think the job of being an officer is important, and I am really grateful that so many fine men and women have been willing to serve. I think even more would serve if they didn't have to go through an election.Providence, R.I. ISSUES NewArchived