Bill Gates

We are in the midst of an off-year election; but you wouldn’t know it from the almost non-stop political ads on television, in the mailbox or on our computers. Most appeal for money or seek to warn you how awful the sender’s opponent is.

Is this how elections should work? That is one of the questions members of the Restless Minds discussion group will debate when they meet at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 14 in the Sewing Room of Oakwood’s Arts and Crafts Center.

Bill Gates will lead a discussion on “What would you change about our elections?”

Restless Minds is open to all persons with inquisitive, open minds. It has no dues or admission requirements. Just show up and participate in the discussion.

Among the questions that might come up during the two-hour meeting:

Why do so few people vote, especially in off-year elections like 2014?

If polls consistently show voters are disgusted with Congress or the State Legislature, why do they reelect incumbents overwhelmingly?

How do people usually choose the candidates they support?

What impact does so-called “dark money” have on elections?

Are citizen ballot initiatives a good idea? Are term limits?

For more information on Restless Minds, contact Bill Gates or Bobbie Reed at 480-883-7410 or by e-mailing [email protected].