Soon all of us who have registered to vote will be called upon throughout the country to make decisions on who will hold office and lead us in the coming years. For those of you who may not be registered to vote, I would encourage you to do so and voice your choice.

Many elections are determined on pamphlets, flyers, billboards, and commercials on radio and television. I would encourage you not to fall into this trap. Slick images betrayed by advertising experts are not a valid basis to determine who should lead our city state and national offices. You should take the time to investigate each candidate thoroughly, check out their background, see where they stand on the issues (past, as well as present), and if they are currently in office, make a determination of whether matters concerning that official are better or worse now than when they first entered that office.

Most of all remember to vote in  all elections. Many voters make a point to vote in the Presidential election once every four years, but it is the "little" elections for local political positions that so many people tend to overlook. These local elections occur more often than every four years. How often do you vote? If you ever wonder why programs aren't funded properly, or projects around your city never seem finished, or why numerous needs go ignored - you might have been able to prevent these problems by using your votes for more qualified candidates, no matter what elected position - big or little. Never miss an election because you don't know anything about the candidates? If it is a judgeship election, talk to an attorney about their opinions. If it is a school board election, talk to a teacher. Then, take the time necessary to make an independent decision. Be informed and make your vote count.