Make sure to vote

K.J. HASCALL / Hungry Horse News

The job of the citizen is to open his or her mouth. Every election season, I remember the canvas bag bearing that statement my eighth-grade civics teacher carried with her. She proudly carried her papers and grade book in that bag and made sure her students understood what the phrase meant.

June 8 is an important day in Montana's history: the primary election.

Around the nation, newspapers report tea parties and protests. Many Americans are unhappy with their elected officials and seek to change the nature of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The people of this great nation want elected officials they can believe in, who will vote to represent their constituents, not just their own personal opinions.

Even more important are the elections at home. The decisions Montana representatives and senators make profoundly affect our lives. Are you happy with the decisions your representatives are making in Helena?

There are a number of contentious primary races around Flathead County. The sheriff's race comes to mind. The county commissioner and house district races are hugely important. On the state level, the outcome of the public service commissioners' race will determine the state's energy decisions in the years to come.

Vote. The most important right an American has is the right to vote. Voters change situations they don't like. Every vote counts.

For more information about the upcoming election, visit flathead.mt.gov/election. The phone numbers and e-mail addresses of candidates are listed on the website. Contact those people and ask them questions.

Read the newspaper. The Hungry Horse News has had extensive election coverage these past few weeks. Stop by and pick up past editions if you missed the articles.

Open your mouth and express your views. June 8, go to your polling station and cast your vote. The future of Montana rests in your hands.

And remember, if you don't vote, you can't complain.