Voting is one of the inalienable rights that our forefathers fought so fervently for so many years ago. Many would say that voting is one of the most important inalienable rights that we have as Americans, if not the most important inalienable right.
Colonial Americans fought for independence in the 1700s based on the rallying cry of “no taxation without representation,” and they wanted the right to choose their own representation.
Over the following 200 years, three major pieces of legislation extended or ensured voting rights:
• The Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution gave voting rights to non-white males;
• The Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote;
• And The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prevented discrimination in voting.
A lot of time and effort was spent, and blood was shed, to give all citizens of the United States over the age of 18 the right to vote.
And now, it is up to you to take advantage of that right at the polls for the General Election next Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Up for election are the state’s governor — a race between Republican incumbent Chris Christie and Democrat Barbara Buono — the state’s lieutenant governor — a race between Republican Kim Guadagno and Democrat Milly Silva — as well as local positions.
In this week’s Sun, you will find information on exactly what you are voting for, when polls are open and details on every polling location in town.
If you have further questions about the election, you can always find information on the county’s website or call your local clerk.
Whatever your political slant or whomever you may be voting for, just make sure you make your way to the polls next Tuesday. Many people before us fought for your inalienable right to do so.
