Naïve but not discouraged: The importance of voting in this election

As November begins, elections roll around and it's time for all of us to head to the polling stations.

This is such an important time for the community because you, as a voter, are able to inflict real change. You have the power to do that, and I encourage you to take advantage of that.

I won't tell you who to vote for, or even who I'm going to vote for. The important thing is that you go out and DO IT.

Some may think that not voting will inflict change the same way that voting will, but that's not true.

With voting, you get to have a voice. You get to take a stand and say, "This is the person I put my support behind. This is the person I believe in."

If you stay home instead of going to the polling station, you're effectively muted. Yes, you're not voting for the people you don't want to go into office, but you're also not voting for the candidate you want to see take care of your city. Too many times, people who don't vote are the ones who become disgruntled with those in office.

Look on page B4 in the classifieds to find your polling station if you don't know where it is already, and make your voice heard on Nov. 7. For those not registered to vote, bring your driver's license or Idaho photo identification and proof of residence (if your license was issued within the last 30 days or does not have your current local address on it) and register at your polling station.

This is not the time to stay home and wait to see what happens, this is the time for action. Time to vote.