Our View

Every vote counts

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and we hope at least half of those who voted last year at this time — in the presidential election — make time to do so today.

That would mean 36 percent of registered voters casting ballots, a figure much higher than anyone expects for an off-year, but most important, election.

This is the election to determine municipal and school leaders who will set tax rates and determine priorities. Yet, in 2005, the last time these races were featured, only 28 percent of Centre County registered voters showed up at the polls.

This year’s headliner, of course, is the district attorney race featuring incumbent Michael Madeira and challenger Stacy Parks Miller. But others are just as important, and election workers at the county’s 89 precincts hope to be busy.

Why should you vote? Theresa Confer, of Howard, explained it well in Sunday’s front-page story.

“Sometimes they say your vote doesn’t count,” she said. “But I think every vote counts. If you don’t vote, and your party doesn’t get in, then people don’t have a right to complain afterward.”

Think about it, and make time to cast your ballot today.