The finish line is in sight. In less than a week, voters will be streaming to the polls to select who will represent them at the local, county, state and federal levels, as well as decide some pretty consequential issues that will affect how Missouri is governed and clarifies how Missourians feel about some weighty social issues.
Jefferson County Clerk Jeannie Goff is predicting a high turnout for the Nov. 3 general election.
On average, 53 percent of Jefferson County voters cast ballots in November elections, she said. But this year, the turnout prediction is closer to 55-60 percent.
We celebrate that prediction and hope the turnout exceeds expectations.
Afterall, high voter turnout is critical to a healthy democracy. Lower turnouts are often attributed to political disengagement or a belief that an individual’s vote just doesn’t matter.
If you’re on the fence about voting Tuesday, we would remind you of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson’s truism about voting: “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”
And we would also remind you that your right to express your voice through your vote came at a cost, as suffragist Susan B. Anthony said.
“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it,” she said.
For many voters, several statewide amendments and a proposition will be the draw to the polls. For many, their ballots will also include some hotly contested and engaging races.
Whatever the reason for getting out to vote Tuesday, just do it. Our duty, as citizens, is to exercise our precious constitutional right to vote.
If you’re a registered Jefferson County voter, your responsibility is pretty straightforward.
Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, and Jefferson County voters are required to vote at their assigned polling place. To find your polling location, visit voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/portal or you can contact the County Clerk’s Office at 636-797-5486.
Voters will need to bring identification, such as a Missouri driver’s or non-driver’s license, U.S. military ID or passport to cast a ballot.
The finish line is indeed drawing closer. As any runner knows, the homestretch of a race can be the most fulfilling and daunting.
We would be well to remind ourselves of how runners motivate themselves to finish strong. Focus beyond the finish line in order to elicit your best performance.
Beyond the finish line is a goal of a country that’s stronger and more engaged in facing the challenges and opportunities we and our succeeding generations will face.
And that goal is our state’s motto: “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto.”
Translation: “Let the good of the people be the supreme law.”
