Primary elections rarely draw the same levels of participation as general elections. That’s understandable — at least to a degree. A sense of urgency is often lacking, and some voters just have no desire to go to the polls in what they view as a political party exercise to choose candidates.
But primaries are important functions of the election process, now more than ever. The influence of political parties is not near as great as it once was, and voters can fill that void by casting ballots in a primary election.
What’s more, in many counties across the state and nation, one party is dominant. That has been the case historically in Vigo County, where Democrats hold more offices and cast more votes than Republicans. That has changed somewhat in recent years, but it remains true that the majority of offices are actually won in the primary rather than general election.
In Vigo County, voters on both sides have compelling reasons to go to the polls on Tuesday. Democrats have a competitive race for County Council at-large to consider, as well as contested races for commissioner, clerk and treasurer. There is also a three-way race for Indiana House District 46 on the Democratic ballot.
Republicans have big races at the top of their ticket, especially the hotly contested race for the U.S. Senate. Six-term incumbent Sen. Richard Lugar faces a stiff challenge from state Treasurer Richard Mourdock. And first-term 8th District U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon is in a tough race with Kristi Risk. On the local level, the GOP also has contested primaries for council at-large and a legislative seat in District 42.
Whether or not you have a burning reason to go to the polls and cast a ballot in this primary, it should be noted that merely participating in this democratic process is a reward unto itself. We, as Americans, govern ourselves, and elections are how we do it.
We should take this opportunity to offer our gratitude to candidates who stepped forward this year to offer themselves for public office. It is not an easy exercise and they deserve the community’s appreciation.
The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. It is your constitutional right to vote. We encourage you to do so.
Opinion
EDITORIAL: An exercise in democracy
You have a right to vote … so use it
- Opinion
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EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
As if it couldn’t get worse, politicians in Washington have again tied themselves in knots.
Yes, we know. What else is new? -
READERS' FORUM: June 19, 2013
• Nutrition info falling short
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RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
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MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
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GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
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A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
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RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
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READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
America needs another hero
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EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
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READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
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RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
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READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
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LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
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RONN MOTT: The ‘wilds’ of Collett Park
- More Opinion Headlines
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EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Robot Action Connected to Human Thought
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Obama: 'Lives Have Been Saved' by NSA Programs
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Paula Deen Admits to Using N Word
Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone
Men's Wearhouse Founder Fired
Miss Utah Explains Rambling Response
Exclusive: Locklear & Seymour Lock Lips
Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash
Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
