The importance of voting

Rep. Allen Andrews

This past week many Missourians chose to exercise one of their most important rights by heading to the polls to vote in the August primary.

Men and women from all over the state participated in the elections process to help determine who will represent them in the halls of government.

By casting their votes, they were able to make their voices heard to help determine the path the state of Missouri will take heading into the future.

While approximately 1 million Missourians took the time to cast their votes, the 2016 primary also underscores the fact that many more Missourians continue to choose not to exercise their right to vote.

Missouri typically sees voter turnout in the 20 to 25 percent range for primary elections and August 2 primary followed that pattern. The truth is that approximately three out of every four voters choose to disenfranchise themselves by not participating in the process.

When considering that some primaries were decided by as few as 50 votes, it reinforces the fact that every vote counts and that Missourians need to become more engaged in the political process.

Missourians who did not participate now have the opportunity to research the candidates and their issues and prepare to make their voices heard in November.

Missourians will have the ability to help determine the winners and losers and, ultimately, the kind of policies the state and nation will work toward in the coming years.

Hopefully Missourians will not take this fundamental right for granted.

As always, it is a privilege to serve you.