"It is by their votes the people exercise their sovereignty."

Thomas Jefferson

Now that the conventions are over, the real work of electing the next president of the United States is at hand. This is the time that all of us everyday people have an opportunity to get involved. At the very least, we each can cast our vote for the candidate we believe will provide the leadership our country needs. Voting is both an honor and a responsibility; the minimum price to pay for our democratic ideals.

Of course, democracy requires more than voting. Good government needs citizen involvement to keep it honest and in touch with reality. Good communities are that way, too. We can see how volunteers make a difference by working hard for the causes and organizations they support. What would happen to our museums, schools, hospitals and youth organizations without the volunteers that keep them running? Without volunteers, who would be there to welcome the stranger and feed the hungry?

The weeks between now and Election Day on November 4th are short, but there is still a chance to be a part of democracy in action. Have you ever considered helping out at the polls? This year, record numbers of voters are expected to turn out and it will take an army of volunteers to make the process run smoothly. It takes a lot to explain how to vote, assist people with disabilities and give rides to the polls. For information on how to become a poll worker, contact the US Election Assistance Commission toll-free at 866-747-1471 or visit www.eac.gov .

If you haven’t registered to vote, or don’t know where to vote, get started now. In Wisconsin, contact the State Elections Board at 608-266-8005 or www.elections.state.wi.us. In Illinois, call 312-814-6440, or visit www.elections.state.il.us. In Michigan, call your local county office or www.michigan.gov.

Selecting the next president of the United States is the most basic right of our democracy. I encourage you to make your vote count and do what you can to help others do the same.