By Cam Ward / Guest Columnist

Another Election Day is upon us in Alabama, and it is time to go to the polls and vote for the candidates we support. This idea brings mixed emotions to so many citizens.  Many will show up to the voting booth to support their favorite candidate while others go to vote knowing the end is in sight to campaign advertising.

My message to every citizen of our state on Election Day is that it is your duty, out of respect for those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in the many wars throughout our history, to protect our right to vote. It is so unfortunate that that freedom is not exercised by so many in our society.  I wholeheartedly agree that the democratic process can be a messy affair at times, but when less than 30% of our citizens show to up vote—much less than that of certain feudal societies like Afghanistan—what kind of message are we sending to those who fought for our rights?  Not an inspiring one for sure.

So on election day, whether you are a Republican, Democrat or an Independent, please show our men and women who have been representing us in conflicts for over two centuries now that we do indeed treasure this fundamental right and appreciate their efforts to help us keep it.  By voting, not only do we have a chance to steer the public policy of our community, but we also demonstrate to the world that we are proud of our freedoms.

Cam Ward is an Alabama state senator from Alabaster, and his district covers a significant portion of Shelby County.