Participation in free and fair elections is a foundation of democracy. This fundamental obligation has become a remarkable challenge in 2024.  Consider AI, sophisticated hackers, foreign and domestic digital propaganda, media prejudice, and even the programming of voting machines all concerns of real or perceived malfeasance.  Electoral processes implemented in response to COVID (voting by mail other than absentee, unsecured public ballot boxes, extended voting periods, etc.) were adopted and largely remain in place post pandemic.  Both presidential candidates enjoy widespread bipartisan disdain, extreme on one hand, remarkably suppressed on the other. One candidate is an appointee, selected absent the usual scrutiny and discourse of the primary system. Even the moral turpitude of each candidate has not proved disqualifying. These circumstances were unimaginable just one generation ago.The historical Sept. 10 debate, like most of these productions, did little to instill confidence in the candidates or the media hosts. Rather, the audience was trapped in an acoustical Port a Potty with the aroma of BS broadcast to millions. A winner? Seriously?The people of this great country have the responsibility to select a new president in November. Given the 24/7 deluge of conflicted, disparaging and perhaps misleading information, each voter must assess and choose a candidate based on their personal knowledge and experience.  As I see it, there are two questions. Will we individually and collectively be better or worse going forward? Which candidate, through their words and action, has clearly and consistently demonstrated the interests of the American people as their priority?  The alternative is to naively serve as a vehicle for the talking heads’ overtly biased rhetoric.Fortunately, each candidate’s visibility in public service is easily within the memory of the entire electorate. It is time to think and decide.Hank CarterPark CityThe post Remarkable challenge appeared first on Park Record.