Despite some of the flaws in America, we are a lucky group of folks.

Take for instance a right we, as citizens of this country, possess: the right to vote.

Politics continues to turn into an acrimonious, dirty battle between two warring parties. Regardless of where your political loyalty lies, every vote, not only in theory but also in practice, counts.

Even voting at the lower levels of government, at the municipal, township and county levels, is crucial and plays a pivotal role in determining the national agenda and the overall national political climate.

Former U.S. Rep. Tip O'Neill (D-Mass.), who served as speaker of the House from 1977-87, said, "All politics is local."

In many ways, O'Neill is correct.

A wide variety of issues are discussed and voted on at the local level and these, in turn, determine the safety of our communities, the fiscal health of our communities and the quality of education our children receive.

I recall sitting in an undergraduate urban politics class back in 2000 thinking to myself: does politics at the local level really matter? After all, much of what we hear and see is politics at the national level.

Yet, elections for positions such as mayor, council, supervisor, school board member, commissioner and county executive do matter.

Who holds these positions and their integrity, background and competency matter so much that we – with the unique power and right to vote – should visit the polls Tuesday, Nov. 5, to cast our votes.

I understand the political climate today is fraught with discord and lacks the quality my grandparents were accustomed to when voting for candidates for public office when they were still alive.

If our political system is defective and the quality of our candidates is lacking, where should the burden be placed?

Political theory teaches every vote counts, with the rule of 50 percent plus one.

There's more truth to this theory at the local level where a mere vote could decide the victor and loser.

Unfortunately, election turnout at the local level is discouragingly low.

Between now and next Tuesday, take the time to not only consider voting – if you have never voted or have not voted in years – but also research candidates, their individual agendas, platforms and their personal background.

Rather than resort to what you might hear or read through the various media outlets, become an informed citizen by digging deeper than a quick sound bite. Learn a little more about who is running for office and why and what the candidate may or may not contribute to your community.

As Abraham Lincoln said, "Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters."

Mark Reccek

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press