Go vote!

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Even if we can’t agree on whom to vote for, surely we can agree to go vote.

You hear the same old mantra every election and you may be tired of it: “This is the most important election of our lifetimes.”

But the thing is, it’s true, just about every time.

As the country becomes more divided, as the government grows in scope and power, as technology and ecology pose questions we haven’t had to confront before, including hot-button issues such as data centers and artificial intelligence, yes, you could say each election is more important than the one before.

Americans aren’t voting for president this year.

Instead, voters will decide all 435 U.S. House seats and 35 U.S. Senate races, along with governor, state and local races across the country.

For Pennsylvania voters, the ballot includes the race for governor, all 17 U.S. House seats, 25 state Senate seats and all 203 state House seats. Pennsylvania does not have a U.S. Senate race this year. We often hear the phrase “every vote counts,” and in the Mon Valley, we have seen that ring true in our share of close elections.

Don’t miss your chance to exercise this civic responsibility.

You can find a comprehensive list of candidates in our Voter Guide, which can be found on our website at www.monvalleyindependent.com.

People died so you could vote. A lot of them.

Our system of government requires some activity on the part of each of us in order to work.

Vote respectfully and responsibly. Appreciate that others are doing the same, regardless of whom they choose. The vital part of the election is that everyone plays a part. Making up your own mind is critical to that.

While you’re at it, thank your poll workers for their essential role. It is thankless work and has become more contentious in recent years. But we can’t forget that these people are our neighbors and the election couldn’t take place without them.

Susan B. Anthony, an iconic leader of the women’s suffrage movement, said it well: “Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.”

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.