It's time to do our duty
Well, the time has drawn near - the time to vote. Registered voters across Caldwell County and North Carolina will head to the polls today to cast their votes. At least they should be heading to the polls.
The fact that it is a primary election may cause some voters to stay home. Perhaps they have the mindset that the November general election is more important because that's when we will elect the people who will represent us at local, state and national levels. That's both true and false.
Yes, the leaders will be chosen in November. But the people we will be voting on for those positions such as president, congressman and commissioner will be determined today. And that is a big deal.
The primary election is a narrowing of the field. It's reducing the number of candidates from a large number down to a manageable one for the general election. It's a necessity, and an important one at that.
For the first time in a long while North Carolina is playing a pivotal role in the election on a national scene. Our state's voters may help shape the presidential election through their vote in today's primary. Obama or Clinton? Our state will have a major say in which of those Democrats opposes Republican John McCain in six months.
That race, in itself, is one reason we should take time out of our schedules to vote today.
But don't forget about the state and local races. They, too, will shape our futures here in Caldwell County. Decisions made by local leaders have a great effect on us, and it's our job to make sure we put the proper people in office.
To do that, we have to make our voices heard. That means going to the polls, whether it's raining or the sun is shining. As a citizen of this county, this state and this great country, we have been afforded a wonderful right to vote, and we need to put it to use.
But we can't do that sitting at home or behind the desk in our office. We have to head to our polling precincts, take our ballots, mark our choices and turn them in. Only then can we say we have done our part in selecting our leaders.
Many of you took advantage of one-stop early voting during the last three weeks, and that's a good showing. Now, those of us who haven't cast our ballots need to head to the polls.
If nothing else, remember this: Your future could depend on a decision made or not made today.
Make the time. Vote.
Managing Editor