Published: May 13, 2008 09:47 pm         

What now?

It’s time to become really involved in the entire political process

OK, you’ve voted. If you didn’t, shame on you. Millions of people have no say about who governs them. Those of us who have the privilege of voting should take advantage of every election opportunity.

By now, the votes are counted, and the field of candidates has narrowed to the front runners for the November general election.

For the average citizen, the political process is just beginning. Now, it’s our responsibility to follow the winners of the primary and listen carefully to what they say.

Over the next few months there will be opportunities to meet the candidates. Make sure you attend at least one of those events. Go with some questions of your own. Put candidates on the spot. Ask them where they stand on issues that matter to you.

Make candidates accountable. They ran for office, and they got enough votes to put them into that position of accountability. They now have a responsibility to follow through for their constituents.

We could all stand to learn more about economic platforms and candidates’ proposed strategies for improving employment statistics, managing tax dollars and health care costs, improving the quality of education and making sure our senior citizens have what they need to enjoy the retirement status they’ve earned.

You see, it’s not enough to vote. We need to be well-informed voters. We need to mark our ballots in November based on what we know about the people whose names appear before us. We should be clear in our own minds whether they deserve our vote of confidence.

Make a commitment today to learn all you can so when November rolls around you can exercise your right to vote. Make that one vote count — because it does.