Your turn: Candidates jab, politicos pontificate, but voters get the last word

There is nothing that makes a person want to skip voting -- or to throw something at the screen -- more than the endless hours of negative political ads that pop up every 30 seconds on television.

This year, there have been more than a few of those, a record number in fact. And the best part is that the same ones keep playing over and over again. So many times in fact, that it is likely that most of us could repeat them verbatim.

So it would be understandable if those of you who have not already cast an early vote in this midterm election would decide to stay home in disgust and throw up your hands in despair.

"Nothing is ever going to change," you might say.

And if you stay home, you just might be right.

Truth is, it is when regular people speak at the ballot box that real change happens. Because no matter how often we are disappointed by Washington and its minions, the reality is, we are still the boss. They stay there because we say they can. And that is the bottom line. We really do control the course of our destiny.

And that is especially true when it comes to races right here at home.

So even though your first thought might be to skip the lines on Election Day Tuesday, that is the time when you should stand up for the country and your community and make your voice heard -- even if you feel like you should hold your nose as you do it.

And if that is not enough motivation, think about this. Voting is not a right. It is a responsibility.

The right to cast a ballot is a gift that has been paid for by generations of brave men and women who have fought to keep it and the freedom it represents safe. It is a legacy of hope and courage that they have left in our care -- with the understanding that we would make sure it endures. And that cannot be done if we stay home.

There are many countries in the world where a vote is nothing more than a worthless piece of paper that is manipulated or not even counted at all. Those whose voice falls on deaf or corrupt ears admire the freedom we have to choose and to determine the course of our own future. Some people even risk their lives to cast ballots in their own countries -- even though they know it is likely to mean little. It is a right they cherish.

And so should we.

Those who fought to give us the right to vote and those who fought to make it available to all Americans did so with the understanding that it would be cherished and protected -- and certainly not squandered.

So, whatever your position, party or candidate choice, the most important act you will do this week is to enter that voting booth and make your choices on that ballot. And if you do not want to do it for yourself, do it for your children and grandchildren. The country you will leave them is being created right now. Their future is really in your hands.

Wear that "I Voted Today" sticker proudly. A heavy price was paid to make sure that you would have the chance to wear it.

Published in Editorials on November 1, 2014 11:32 PM