Not pleased with the direction of local government and hungry for new representation? Got questions about our schools and whether their infrastructure can produce graduates to sustain a work force for the future? If the answer is yes, then there is a remedy for your political ails. It’s called voting, and as early ballots are cast this week for the upcoming July 15 primary, there is no time like the present to have your say.

For months now, we’ve all been hit from every direction with a slough of political ads and media blitzes, and with so much going on, it’s easy to lose sight of the real messages and the important issues at hand. Too often, many of us grow apathetic with the process and simply stay at home. But is either voter apathy or the cliche argument on voting for the lesser of two evils really justifiable? Does that approach really do anything for us at all, or is it simply an excuse to sit back and take no action to impact our community and bring about positive change? The greatest power any community wields lies within its voice; it is through our voices that real change is brought forth; our voice as everyday citizens lies within the ballot.

Yes, we should exercise our right to vote because it is a right our forefathers bestowed upon us that we should never take for granted, but really, the issue goes beyond that fact. Voting is not as much our right as it should be viewed as a privilege.

Though it’s difficult for many Americans to grasp, we still live in a world where voting has life or death consequences for many citizens. Look at the recent elections in the African nation of Zimbabwe, where the opposing candidate was all but forced from the presidential race after many would-be voters were threatened with their lives simply because they wanted to cast a ballot for the opposition. These types of atrocities still do exist, even in the 21st century, yet many of us who possess power at the polls still take it for granted.

On the heels of Independence Day, where many of us took time out to reflect upon our many freedoms as Americans, there is perhaps no more appropriate act to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed for our country than for each of use to do our part by voting.

Having a voice in your community doesn’t require a lot of in-depth knowledge on the inner workings of government or a complete understanding of budgetary details. It does, however, require motivation and a will to take action. Now, through the advent of the early voting process and absentees, it’s easier than ever before — simply stop by the Baldwin County Registrars Office this week between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and present one of the six forms of approved identification. To research beforehand, information on local districts and voting precincts is available on the secretary of state’s Web site, www.sos.ga.gov. A sample ballot will be published in an upcoming edition of The Union-Recorder prior to the July 15 primary.

Locally, our decision at the polls will soon determine who represents us in county government, at our nation’s capitol, and on our board of education. Learn the issues and know the candidates — an empty vote lacks power. Most of all, however, make the effort. In this presidential election year, there are simply too many major issues affecting all of us — both locally and nationally — to let this opportunity pass us by. Sitting back while others act should simply not be an option for any of us.