Our View – What other papers are saying

By Staff
In this year's election, our men and women in uniform are stationed around the world serving our nation and defending democracy. We have both the responsibility and the privilege to participate in our democracy by exercising our fundamental right to vote.
I encourage every one of you, as well as your family members of voting age, to join in the democratic process and cast your ballot.
On Nov. 2, and prior to the election, people have had the privilege to vote either in person or through absentee ballots, in primary and general elections, no matter where you reside.
Recent elections have demonstrated the importance of every ballot. You can probably ask some of your other county and city officials to see whether or not every vote counts. The Electoral College is another significant aspect of the presidential election. This particular group of people senators are the people that actually elect a president.
It's so important to familiarize yourself and others with the entire process in electing officials.
The 2004 elections will have a lasting effect on this country for a while to come. This election will determine our choice for president and vice president and numerous county and local officials. I urge each one of you to take part in the general election on Nov. 2.
With a large number of soldiers in Iraq, many people are using the absentee voting process, which has never been easier than it is today.
It is important to know that every time a president is elected, they can either appoint new justices to serve on the Supreme Court or keep the remaining members.
Each member of the Supreme Court has a substantial hand in the rules of this country.
For example, remember the Roe v. Wade case, the Supreme Court decision that allowed abortion. Jane Roe, a Texas resident, wanted to have an abortion. Texas law prohibited abortions except to save a pregnant mother's life. The Court said that a woman's right to an abortion fell within the right of privacy, protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision gave a woman a right to abortion during the entirety of the pregnancy and defined regulatory measures of abortion in the second and third trimesters.
Another remarkable case, Brown v. Board of Education.
In the early 1950's, this case involved racial segregation in public schools, which was common in America. The Court said that racial segregation in public schools deprived students of equal educational opportunities. Such issues as abortion and segregation are two issues that has had an impact on us, and or somebody we know.
If you remember nothing else, do exercise your American right to vote on Nov. 2.
By Ava Tabb of the Andalusia (Ala.) Star-News. Note: Editorials from other newspapers printed in the FCT also represent the opinion of our editorial board.