Go vote: Election Day offers civic opportunity

With a paltry 2,700 ballots cast during the early voting period, the turnout for Pitt County's municipal election appears poised to follow the pattern of years past. Off-year elections routinely draw single-digit turnouts, as most area residents seem content to allow the motivated few to make decisions for all.

Voting should not be an exercise in tedious obligation, but rather an act that celebrates a free and fair democracy. Those registered to vote should revel in fulfilling their civic duty by heading to the polls and casting a ballot today.

About 24 hours before the polls formally opened for Election Day in Pitt County, an unfolding story halfway around the world underscored a rare and precious nature of voting. In Afghanistan — a violent land where American troops have fought and died for eight years — the contested presidential election finally concluded. Challenger Abdullah Abdullah withdrew from the contest on Sunday, and incumbent President Hamid Karzai was named the victor.

That outcome did not result from confidence in the voting process, and doubts expressed before the vote came true. Roughly one-third of the ballots were ruled ineligible and reports of ballot-stuffing, intimidation and threats were widespread. There are grave doubts about Karzai's victory and allegations of corruption are likely to haunt the administration.

Yet, in a country lacking history with the democratic process, nearly 5 million voters dismissed threats and risked violence to participate in the election. These men and women, like their peers around the globe, want self-determination assured by a government chosen by voters.

Many Pitt County residents take for granted the opportunity to enter into a polling station and choose those who serve in public office. They view voting as an inconvenience, a bother or an exercise in futility. They fail to recognize that such a simple act has such wide-ranging implications.

They should know better. The choices made in Pitt County's municipalities threaten to echo for years to come. Residents can rest assured that by day's end, there will be winners in these elections. What remains to be seen is who will make those choices.

Today is the day and now is the time. Spare a few moments to cast a ballot in this year's election. Do not let these crucial decisions be made by a precious few. Let the results reflect the will of a community so that those who serve can govern on its behalf.

Please go vote today, and revel in an opportunity open to you and coveted by millions.