Today’s the day: Now get out and vote

Staff Editorial,

When this nation was founded, the idea that ordinary citizens should have the right and responsibility to elect the leaders who would make decisions on their behalf was a revolutionary one, indeed.

It's a right that's not to be taken for granted. One to celebrate and exercise seriously and with respect for the ideals of this country and the benefit of our communities.

Today's the day: Now vote.

This year's drawn-out, scorched-earth Presidential campaign has left many Eastern Iowans wrung out, disheartened, and tired of politics. Simply wishing for this day to be over. But our country has seen, and survived, other elections marred by negativity and plain-old ugliness. It has seen and survived contests between candidates who were held in low esteem by many.

Ours is not a perfect system. It never has been.

The only way to change that is to vote.

Many wonder whether their choice will matter in a political system so soaked with money and special interests. But in our history there have been entire classes of people - women, African- and Native Americans, immigrants and the poor - who were disenfranchised and excluded.

To fight for a system that represents you, you have to get out to the polls and vote.

Maybe you have other hesitations:

If you're still unsure about who to vote for, check out The Gazette's online voter guide.

If you don't know where your polling place is, contact the Iowa Secretary of State or your county auditor's office.

If you haven't yet registered to vote but are a U.S. citizen and Iowa resident who is at least 18 years old, you can do so at the polls - check with elections officials for details about the documents you'll need.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Linn and Johnson County elections officials are expecting heavy turnout. Lines might be long in other Corridor counties, too. Plan ahead. Wait if you have to.

No one else can do it for you.

Vote.

' Gazette editorials reflect the consensus opinion of The Gazette Editorial Board. Share your comments and ideas with us: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com