When voters go to the polls in the Golden Triangle on Tuesday, history tells us it’s likely to be an uneventful, generally pleasant experience.
That’s not the case everywhere, as reports of long lines, confrontations among voters or disputes with election officials emerge all across the nation. Given the fever pitch of the last two elections, in particular, such episodes along with false claims of voter fraud, faith in our elections has eroded to some degree.
Fortunately, that hasn’t been the case here, which is a tribute to everyone involved – the circuit clerk’s office, poll-worker and voters.
The rules are consistently obeyed and our portion of these elections runs smoothly. In the few cases where problems may have emerged, they are almost always minor hiccups in the process and nothing to suggest dirty tricks.
We expect Tuesday’s election will follow that script.
In addition to the Presidential race, voters will vote for a U.S. Senate seat (incumbent Republican Roger Wicker vs. Democrat Ty Pinkins) and all four Congressional seats. There will also be judicial races on the ballot.
Presidential elections bring out more voters than state or local elections, and we expect it will be no different this year. We believe voting is a civic duty and that all eligible voters should exercise their vote in the spirit of celebrating what it means to be an American. We also believe it’s a moral duty to be patient and respectful at the polling place.
Voting does not require a great deal of sacrifice – at most, an hour out of your day anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Our form of government is based on free elections. When citizens vote, they affirm their faith in our system of government and optimism for its future.
For your sake and the sake of us all, we urge every registered voter to make his/her voice heard at the ballot box.
It’s the American way.
You can find sample ballots and polling places elsewhere in today’s print edition.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
