One of our most important civil rights is the right to vote. There was quite a struggle to gain the right to vote for all Americans, and it was not easily won. The right to vote is so important it's covered by six amendments to the constitution. And since Missouri's primary election is March 7, all the more reason we should be thinking about how we elect our leaders, what part do we as citizens play in the process, and why your vote counts. Missouri's primary is an open primary, which means no matter what your political conviction, you can vote for any candidate. The most important thing is that you vote, each vote can make a difference.

The 26th amendment to the constitution gives you the right to vote if you are 18 years of age. Now you're faced with the decision of casting your vote intelligently for the person you feel will be our best

President. Your one vote will help determine our leaders for the next four years, how billions of dollars will be spent, and what national policies we will create or maintain. I told you your one vote was important. To make your vote count the most, you should take an active part in the political system, and research.

Taking part in our political system is an important responsibility of citizenship. It isn't something that should be left for others. You know, "why should I vote, I'm only one person". It is essential to our government process for you to form opinions on public issues and potential leaders, and then express them through your vote. Your opinion, and the opinions of like minded individuals, are a strong influence within our American government. As the saying goes; " the more the merrier," and the more individuals that come together with the same opinion of a certain issue or candidate will not only make a difference, it could decide outcomes. If an elected official ignores the will of the people then they probably won't last in that office.

I don't want to sound like I'm preaching here, just very adamant about the importance each of us play in running this great nation. I know it's easy to become disillusioned with the process and even the

decisions made we feel we had no hand in making. This is why research is so vital to any vote, we elect our leaders not just on what they say or have done, but also because we trust them with our best interests.

We also elect them based on their ability to make decisions that effect our lives. As I said earlier, we, as citizens, have the right to vote granted to us by the United States Constitution, use that right and help keep the democratic spirit alive. Choose carefully, but you need to choose. Make your voice heard, vote.