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Tuesday is Election Day 2016. Unless you live in a cave, you probably already knew that.
What is really important about Tuesday, though, is that for the last two-and-a-quarter centuries our republic has thrived under a Constitution devoted to ensuring individual freedoms while protecting the public good.
The preamble states its purpose concisely:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Key to our country's endurance is citizen participation in the selection of our democratically elected representatives. That's why Tuesday is so important.
Democracy can be messy. Certainly this year's presidential race has proved that, if nothing else. But an essential element to the continuing success of the Great American Experiment is the acceptance of the results by all participants.
This year we will elect local, state and national representatives, as well as a new president. We will consider charter amendments on the county level and amendments to the state constitution.
All elements of this election are important. And all of us owe it to our great country to do our part by taking the time to vote. It's our duty and our privilege.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.