Our Opinion: Get to the polls today

Today is Election Day. But because it is not a presidential or midterm election, it might not be on your radar. It should be.

We'll be voting on City Council and school board races, Cole County's half-cent capital improvement sales tax and the office of Jefferson City municipal judge.

Those are local races and issues that have more of a direct impact on your lives than state or federal elections.

Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer said he hopes to see a voter turnout of about 10 percent. It's hard for us to understand why that number would be so low, especially after so many people have fought for the right to vote in the history of our country.

The COVID-19 pandemic is waning and poll workers will continue with sterilization procedures and have hand sanitizer available. While Korsmeyer said he can't require people to wear masks while voting, they are encouraged to do so while continuing to practice social distancing.

The forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high of 81 degrees. In other words, a beautiful spring day.

Voters can look up their polling location or sample ballots by typing in their addresses at voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/PRD/VoterOutreach/VOSearch.aspx. A full list of polling locations in Cole County also can be found at colecounty.org/494/Voting-Locations.

Korsmeyer said anyone unsure of where to vote also can call the clerk's office at 573-634-9101. Sample ballots also may be obtained by calling or visiting the clerk's office at 311 E. High St.

Georgia's new election laws have spurred a national debate over whether they promote voter suppression or voter integrity.

Regardless of what you think about the issue, it shows the importance of voting. So here in Mid-Missouri, take advantage of your right - and your responsibility - to vote. Polls are open 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

News Tribune