In the next few weeks, residents of the Five Towns and Atlantic Beach will have the opportunity to vote on various village elections, school board elections, library trustee elections – and budget elections.

Later this month, I will be publishing my endorsements for certain candidates and budgets which I feel would benefit our communities. But before I endorse them – I would like to endorse you.

As Americans, we each have the opportunity to vote on who we choose to represent us in the various positions in government. From president of the United States to our local school board members, it is our decision as to who is chosen to sit in those chairs.

More importantly, as taxpayers and residents of the Five Towns and Atlantic Beach, you actually have the unique opportunity to vote on the amount that you will pay in taxes. Imagine if you will, having the chance to choose how much of an increase in income taxes you will pay next year? I am sure every one of us would leap at the chance to do that. So with the upcoming budget election – you are actually given that chance.

So please vote.

In interviewing local officials all across the Five Towns for the upcoming elections, I have been told that the voter turnout for these types of elections are not as high as officials would like them to be. Even the meetings prior to the votes are scarcely attended, which I find curious seeing as how these votes not only affect the future of your communities – but the future of your income as well.

A vote in any of the upcoming elections is a vote for yourself. A vote that says that you have exercised your right as an American and are concerned about the direction your community is taking. It says that, as a resident, you want to play an active role in the goings-on in your town, village or district. It says that you care about how much money you have to pay in taxes and want to know where that money is going. And most importantly – it says that, as a Five Towner – you want your voice to be heard.

Please look in upcoming issues of the Nassau Herald for stories and editorials relating to the upcoming elections, as well as the dates of meetings, candidate nights, and elections themselves. And please make sure that you take the time to go to your polling place and cast your vote for not only the candidate and budget of your choice – but for yourself as well.

Happy voting.