Head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4

People may well be looking forward to Nov. 5, the day after the General Election, and the relief that will come when the political advertising that is bombarding the television and radio airwaves will finally come to an end.
But despite the general disgruntled feeling that prevails during the campaign session, most area voters are anticipating the arrival of Election Day and the opportunity to shape the future of their township, city, school, county, state and federal governments. There is something about the privilege to vote, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, that stirs even the most anemic of political blood.
The McLeod County area has always been a stronghold for grassroots politics, which spur some of the highest voter turnout rates in the state of Minnesota. The 2012 General Election had a 92.26 percent turnout in McLeod County, well above the statewide turnout of 76.11 percent.
What draws voters to the polls is choice. And nearly every local ballot has that — the city of Glencoe has contenders in two of its three council races; the Glencoe-Silver Lake School District has five candidates vying for three open seats; both county commmissioner districts have two candidates from which to choose; the city of New Auburn ballot has six candidates competing for two council seats; Stewart has four candidates for two council openings; the city of Brownton has a mayoral race; and the Minnesota House District 18B race has one of its more intense competitions in recent years. Not to mention there are races in some townships.
A large number of candidates have stepped up to offer voters a choice, and we should be grateful for that. And the best way to show gratitude for those who come forward to serve is by going to the polls Tuesday.
As is so often stated, voting is not just a right in the United States, it is a privilege that is unheard of in other parts of the world.
Take advantage of that privilege; it is your chance to shape the future of your community. Please go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4.