-Isms

As I'm writing this, two weeks stand between now and Nov. 5, the general election. I don't often write about politics. A long time ago, in J school, a professor shared a belief that in community journalism, it's best to let the public make their own decisions. Present the facts. Neighbors don't need to tell neighbors how to vote, she would say. Let the big city dailies endorse a candidate. Here, in small-town America, let residents investigate and research candidates and issues and form an educated decision.

How many of you go through that process?

I promise, I'm not going to tell you how to vote. That's between you and your conscience. When I vote, it's between me and my moral compass.

I will tell you this: you need to vote for several reaasons.

I've been a firm believer that every vote counts. I can still hear my American Government instructor, Mr. Rick Moses, drilling those words into my 17-year-old brain. Since I turned 18, I haven't missed voting in an election. It's my civic responsibility to vote. I hope you feel it's yours, too.

Every race on the ballot matters. Sometimes, not a lot of attention is placed on local races. You should learn about who is running for village board, school board, the local NRD or ESU or community college board. These are races where we are able to see change firsthand and, usually, at a faster pace than national races.

Especially at the local level, your vote holds elected officials accountable. When you think of the monetary policies that are decided locally, why wouldn't you vote for the people who set those policies?

By casting your vote, you are defining what you see as the needs of your local community, your state and country. That's powerful.

There's a lot at stake in this election. This newspaper has provided forms to apply for an early voting application. We have printed informational articles about ballot initiatives placed before Nebraska voters. We've printed the sample ballot. By doing so, we've given readers the resources necessary to learn about each ballot issue. We haven't pushed an agenda, we've provided facts, so you may make choices for the type of leadership you want.

Get out and vote. It's a right that could all too easily be stripped, so why not put your voice to a good use?