(March 27, 2006) -- We don't know why 3,620 LB voters chose to mark and send in their absentee ballots as of March 24...with over two weeks remaining in which election news or related LB developments might change their minds in one or more races.

We urge smart LB voters NOT to mark and return their "vote by mail" ballots just yet. In our view, it's a lot smarter to HOLD them and wait until election day (April 11) nears to mark them.

This advice will cause vomiting at some campaigns where they want the ballots marked and mailed now. That's understandable, but in our view, too many things can still happen with two weeks to go before election day...and you'll feel really stooopid if that happens and you've sent in your ballot too early.

Unless you plan to be outside LB on or near election day, we advise you NOT to mark your ballot just yet. Wait until a few days before election day, then decide.

And then we suggest hand-delivering your marked, sealed ballot to an official polling place on April 11 or to the City Clerk's office.