Voting is necessary.

The country, the state, the county and the city all operate with democratic systems of government.

That means if you don’t vote, the city doesn’t run right.

Sure it’ll continue. Roads will probably still be fixed and bridges won’t be falling in anytime soon.

Without voting the citizens of Selma have no say in their own government.

It doesn’t matter how many council meetings we attend, it doesn’t matter how many letters to the editor are written. What matters is that every four years, every citizen in the city limits goes to the polls and lets the candidates running know how they feel.

While the STJ encourages people to air their views often, we know that despite all the talk, the complaints, the encouragement and suggestions, that without voting none of it will matter.

Voting is what keeps our officials accountable. Voting is what lets them know what we want done with our city.

So, please, before 7 p.m. tonight, find out what polling place you’re supposed to vote in, and take a few minutes to get a say in the city’s government.