After the longest presidential campaign in U.S. history, reminding citizens at this late hour to vote on Nov. 4 seems almost redundant and superfluous. Yet, a last-minute reminder just might be needed to jar complacency out of a few citizens that cling to the old notion that one vote doesn't count.
Forget that disingenuous and faulty math. Each vote is an investment in citizenship, a personal testament to the enduring support of democracy as well as showing support for candidates who've labored for months to be elected.
Happily, this season's presidential race has been electric with excitement, if not overly long and sometimes distracting with silly detours from critical issues. The result nationally will be a record turnout, which augers well for down-ballot local election candidates campaigning on modest budgets.
Early voting everywhere -- the nation, in Idaho and other states -- has been surprisingly heavy. But there still is Nov. 4 and local polling places for those who prefer waiting until Election Day.
There aren't many valid reasons for not voting. Rides top the polls can be arranged for those without transportation or in need of special care. Polls are open before and after normal workday hours. Whatever lines might develop at a polling place should not be an excuse for discouraging voters from devoting the few minutes needed to cast ballots.
Most historians agree: Indeed, this election is the most important and critical in generations with profound long-range effects on domestic affairs as well as international relations.
Don't be left out of having a say in our future.
