By Robert Johnson
Managing editor
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All across Missouri, voters will head to the polls on Tuesday. It’s the primary balloting for the state and while this election has been overshadowed by the presidential pundits, predictions and polls all posturing for November’s election, voting in the Missouri primary is still very important.

As a democracy, citizens have the right to cast votes for their candidate and the issues we face. Your vote, in turn, helps influence our laws and how our society operates — sometimes even when your candidate doesn’t win. Our ability to speak out with the ballot is one of the most cherished freedoms we can ever hope to protect. It’s more than just doing your civic duty, voting is really a responsibility of all citizens.

Over the years I have heard people comment their vote doesn’t count, or “it’s only one vote.” If you decide not to vote, think of this election fact: In 2000, the presidential election was decided by a 537-vote difference in the state of Florida. Out of nearly 6 million votes cast, George W. Bush won the sunshine state and became the 43rd president of the United States. Just 537 votes — fewer votes than the number of Soldiers in an infantry battalion — decided the course of our nation’s history. Your vote does indeed count.

If you haven’t registered to vote in Tuesday’s election, you’re sort of out of luck. You would have had to register by July 11. Requirements for voting vary by state, but in Missouri you can find all the information necessary to register at www.sos.mo. gov/elections. You can even check to see if you are registered and where your voting precinct is located on the site.

If you aren’t registered, now is the time to get your act together for the November general election. You must register by Oct. 10 to be eligible to vote Nov. 6.

If your home of record is where you vote, you should contact your state to find out how you can vote by absentee ballot and when you have to be registered. Most states have a website with all the information necessary for you to get registered. A simple Bing or Google search can help you locate your state’s requirements or talk to your unit’s voting officer.

It’s a sad commentary on civic responsibility, but not everyone will vote this Tuesday or in November. Typically, the number of registered voters who cast votes in presidential general elections is around 50 percent. In an off year or primary election, that percentage of voters casting ballots drops into the 30 percent range. Yet, every election can have an impact on your life. Even a simple rural fire department levy for Dixon can make a difference to you.

The bottom line is, every vote counts and every election is important. If you’re not registered, get the information and get registered to vote in November. If your home is another state, find out their requirements and get the ball rolling. If you are registered here, go vote on Tuesday. If you are unsure of where to begin, see your voting officer in your unit, or call me … I’ll help you get registered to vote.

Voting is your right, your privilege and your responsibility.