Make your voice heard at the polls

By now I’m confident that most of you are tired of this year’s political bantering and smears that have taken center stage, especially with the presidential election. Less than one week and we can finally put it all behind us.
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’ve refrained from jumping into the political frying pan this year. This is the first column I’ve written that has anything to do with the election. I know, you can thank me later. But it certainly doesn’t diminish the importance of what’s at hand for our country.
Like many Americans, I’m tired of all the crazy twists and turns involved with the race for the White House. It has really made me wonder if either of the major candidates is worthy of holding such a high office. 
This year’s presidential race has folks all across the globe watching what’s going on in America. I had a relative who recently traveled to Europe and both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton appall Europeans and question why America doesn’t have anyone better to offer for the top spot. 
The Independent hasn’t ignored the election as evidenced by all the local political advertisements and letters to the editor we’ve been running in recent weeks. This week we compiled a Voter’s Guide for readers to understand the candidates they will be asked to vote on for various local races.  
Unlike major daily newspapers and some weeklies, the Independent is not endorsing any candidates. We think readers can make their own decisions without any of our influence. 
The Kasson city council, for example, should be an interesting race to follow on the local level. Two incumbent council members are being challenged for their seats. And there will be a new mayor in Kasson. With all the controversy involving the city in recent years, it’s nice to see folks are willing to serve city government. Let’s hope they are all in it for the right reasons. 
We will be offering local results on our website as well as e-mail blasts on election night. We will also have complete election coverage in our Nov. 13 print edition. 
I encourage everyone to get out and vote in next week’s election, which by some published reports may see the highest voter turnout in history. It’s important that you exercise your right to vote as your vote can make a difference. We live in a great country where our vote is both a right and a privilege. 
The end is near for this year’s political season, and now it’s time for us to all go in hot pursuit of making our voices heard at the polls.