Our View – Those who voted – congratulations!

By Staff
As long-time journalists, it seems we've editorialized for years to urge, cajole, shame or convince people to get out and vote.
And that's why the sight of the "I Voted" stickers on so many Franklin County shirts yesterday was a sight for sore eyes.
We're accustomed to hearing dire, melancholy reports of lower and lower turnout. In 1960, more than 63 percent of registered voters went to the polls. All three 1960's presidential elections saw turnout of more than 60 percent.
By 1996, in the race between incumbent Bill Clinton and challenger Bob Dole, that number fell to a paltry 49 percent of registered voters.
Early results Tuesday showed record high levels of voter turnout. One pollster at a southern University said Tuesday that turnout could be the highest in 40 years, possibly as high as 58 percent.
It's still depressing that 4 of 10 people still won't vote. Turnout for elections for countries experiencing free elections for the first time hover in the 90-percent area, demonstrating how precious the right to vote is for those who have never had it.
But we'll focus on the positives today and congratulate the 50-percent plus of the American people who went to the polls.
Franklin County numbers for voter turnout weren't available at press time, but turnout was expected to be high here as well.
Those "I Voted" stickers are more than a decoration. They are a badge of pride and honor, demonstrating that you did your civic duty.
If you think one vote doesn't make a difference, you just weren't paying attention to the last Alabama governor's race or the 2000 presidential photo-finish.
But whether you are Republican or Democrat, whether you pulled the lever for George Bush or John Kerry, you're a winner today if you voted yesterday.
You have our congratulations and respect.