Around this time last year I ran an article similar to this one.

I found it only fitting to focus this column on the same topic — our upcoming election.

Nov. 8 may very well be one of the most important elections we face as a country in recent times.

We have the Presidential election nationally, our State Senate Race, as well as our Parish Judge’s race.

We are familiar with our constitutional rights and sometimes end up in many debates over them.

“Freedom of speech,” “free exercise” of religion, “the right to keep and bear arms,” but what about “the right to vote?”

The most important part of the democratic process is casting your vote. Elections are not a popularity contest.

Voting is about making an informed decision on a candidate after you’ve educated yourself on their platforms, without getting distracted by the smoke and mirrors and political grandstanding.

Your vote is a representation of your views and your voice in whom you want and who you trust to represent you and your government.

Anyone can support or oppose a candidate or put as many signs as they want in their yard, but at the end of the day, no matter how many political statements we’ve made on our Facebook page, until we cast our vote, we have become ineffective as a society.

Our electorate will consist of and represent the views of the majority of those individuals that cast their vote.

Remember election season is just beginning with an important election on Nov. 8.

Early voting is from Oct. 25 – Nov. 1, while Sunday offices are closed.

For a candidate to win they need 50 percent of the turnout plus one vote; your vote does matter.

The future of our parish, state and our country is in our hands, let’s get out and VOTE.

Dates to remember:

Early Voting: Oct. 25 – Nov. 1

ELECTION DAY: Nov. 8

Michael P. Wright is St. John the Baptist Parish Council District 5 representative. Contact him at District5@sjbparish.com or m.wright@sjbparish.com.