not an obligation

Published Sept. 9, 1999

The Alabama Education Lottery vote is just around the corner, and it’s time to make a decision about whether you are for or against a state lottery in Alabama.

But before making any personal decisions about the lottery, the most important thing to do is make sure you have registered to vote and if necessary you have updated your voter registration.

American citizens are not forced to vote in any election, but each person should take advantage of the privilege of voting and not consider it an obligation. Without placing a vote an individual has no right to disagree with any decision that our governing bodies make.

Registering to vote should be one of the rites of passage that every person should look forward to when they reach the age of 18. When a child begins to grow up they look forward to the special ages in their life that will move them closer to adulthood, like obtaining a driver’s license at age 16, signing a draft card at age 18 and becoming a legal adult at age 21. Registering to vote should be looked at the same way. Parents should instill in their children the importance of taking part in their government by participating in any and all election, and the best way for parents to do this is to be registered voters themselves.

The Alabama Education Lottery is important to every person in the state. Many oppose the idea of gambling while others see how a lottery can help the Alabama education system. The only way to be sure your opinion is known and counted for is to vote. And every vote that is cast is counted.

Registering to vote is easy. The Board of Registrars at the Pike County Courthouse will assist you with the registration process and get you ready to be a part of your city, county, state and national government. Call the registrar’s office at 566-1757.