Make sure your voice is heard

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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The popularity and ease of early voting in recent years have made Election Day more a deadline than an event. Still, the majority of eligible Iowa's registered voters had yet to cast ballots before Election Day polls opened this morning.

Today is their last chance to choose the women and men who will represent their interests in courthouses and county administration buildings all over the state, in the statehouse in Des Moines and on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Voting is a right and responsibility to be taken seriously. For many, it is the most direct way to engage in civic life.

In recent months, many citizens have been vocal in their criticisms and defenses of current leaders. Tea Party movement members and other groups have further fanned the discussion.

Today, it's time to take that voice one step further: Vote.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you're not sure where to vote, contact your county auditor's office or see our online voter guide at www.thegazette.com

If you're not already registered to vote, bring proof of residence and identity (an Iowa driver's license listing your current address is best, but other forms of identification will work. Visit www.sos.state.ia.us for details).

A record number of Iowa voters already have cast their ballots. Last Friday, Secretary of State Michael Mauro reported that 372,778 absentee ballots had been requested, and that 295,132 voters already had returned absentee ballots or cast their votes early. That's up more than 53,000 early and absentee votes from the 2006 election. If this is a sign more voters than usual are motivated to make their voices heard, it's heartening.

High voter turnout not only is a more representative way of choosing our elected officials, it shows those officials that we are paying attention - that we care about the direction in which our communities, state and country are headed.

It sends an important message, but it's not enough. Voters must keep paying attention as new representatives and incumbents resume the work of governing.