An important election demands our participation

In just under two weeks, a very important election will take place in Wisconsin. Voters will head to the polls on April 4 to elect city council members, school board members and a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. There are also referendum questions, asking voters whether judges should get more discretion when setting bail, whether the state’s abortion law should be overturned and whether voters will agree to spend $60 million more to fund La Crosse schools. Important issues, which affect nearly every Wisconsinite. But despite the ramifications of the outcome, many, most in fact, will not participate in the election. Turnout in spring elections rarely exceeds 30%. There are many reasons for the poor turnout, but nearly everyone agrees on the importance of the issues the election result will decide. There is still plenty of time to prepare for the election. If you aren’t registered, you can still do so. Early in-person absentee voting is now underway at clerk’s offices throughout the state. You can even still put your ballot in the mail, if you hurry. And of course the polls will be open for 13 hours on election day. Don’t sit out this important election. It isn’t just our right to vote, but also our duty.