Duty beckons voters on Election Day

Another Election Day is upon us. It's the third opportunity in less than three months for Valley residents to exercise that most fundamental of rights - the right to vote.

It should go without saying that the right should not be taken for granted. Yet, in election after election, embarrassingly dismal voter turnout statistics hint that many among us do take voting for granted.

Anyone who doubts the value of a single vote should consider what's at stake today:

€ In the race for governor, some polls show a battle that's too close to call.

€ With 10 state Senate seats and all 40 House seats up for grabs today, voters also will determine the composition of the next Legislature that the new governor will have to work with.

€ Alaskans join a national vote that will decide the balance of power in Congress. This, too, has been the subject of much debate and polling. Most observers agree the final outcome will be determined by which side is best able to &#8220get out the vote.”

Also at stake for Alaskans are two ballot measures. One proposes to shorten the legislative session from 121 days to 90 days.

The other has been the subject of a frenzied public relations campaign. Like the cruise ship head tax that was on the October ballot, the proposed gas reserves tax has come under attack by a well-funded industry effort to convince voters it is a bad idea.

At both the state and national levels, voters have watched in recent years as scandals and excessive partisanship have ravaged the political process and eroded the public trust. The country's 19th president, Rutherford B. Hayes, rose to power in a similar climate and proved he was the right man to heal the nation.

He serves as a model today for both voters and those who seek to represent them. A fierce advocate of nonpartisan solutions, Hayes lived his personal credo that &#8220he serves his party best who serves his country best.” Wise words, indeed.

But he did not let voters off the hook for the importance of their role in the process. &#8220To vote is like the payment of a debt,” he said. &#8220A duty never to be

neglected.”

Voters who stay home or, for whatever reason, decide not to make the trip to the polls today are, essentially, allowing others to decide the future for them.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. We urge all registered voters to not neglect their duty.