Dear Editor:

Americans are facing a Presidential Election Year and primaries are happening or have happened in may key states. Pennsylvania's Primary is fast approaching and I feel it is important for all Pennsylvania's to fulfill their civic duty and vote. For those who are not registered there is still time to register and be heard.You can register to vote by mail, at a PA Department of Transportation photo license center when you obtain or update your driver's license or at other Government Agencies such as State offices that provide public assistance and services to persons with disabilities, Armed Forces Recruitment Centers, County Clerk of Orphans' Court offices, including each Marriage License Bureau, and Area Agencies on Aging.You may be asking why should I vote? Maybe you're asking yourself, does my vote really count? Or perhaps you feel like you cannot really make a difference, so why bother?The truth is that your vote does count and you do make a difference every time you vote! You are powerful! As an informed and active constituent, you can play the most important role of all in shaping legislation. Your vote holds your local and national leaders accountable for the decisions they make. Your vote sends a message about the issues you think are important. Your vote affirms our rights as free citizens to elect our government and take part in democracy.Elected officials make all sorts of decisions that can directly affect your life. The President and Congress you elect will decide whether to raise or lower taxes, make economic policies that could affect your job and decide when or if to use military force. There are also local elections, which can have an even more immediate and personal effect on you, your lifestyle and your community. Vote because you care about your community.Vote because you believe in free government. Vote because it will make you feel good to participate and have a say. Vote because it's the right thing to do! Vote to make a difference!An AmericanAdvocatingfor Change.Ann Marie SmellNesquehoning