Vote to show how much you care about your state

How important to you are the regulation of bills issued by Alabama’s power and gas companies?

How important to you that state courts provide the fairest judges, those who bring justice and uphold the state’s constitution, regardless how antiquated it may be?

Today’s statewide runoffs between Republican candidates for the Public Service Commission presidency and Court of Criminal Appeals deserve your attention.

Sure, it doesn’t have the glamour of a general election that often dwarfs the appeal of primary elections — which garnered little appeal in June — but that doesn’t make it less important. Think of a runoff like this: state races have come down to the wire, basically gone into election overtime, and voters have the special opportunity to make a greater impact at the polls than they would in the primary.

Unfortunately, many of the state’s 2.6 million registered voters won’t feel that way. Only five percent of statewide voters turned out for the June 3 primary, and there’s good reason to believe far fewer will entertain poll workers today.

But the GOP nomination for PSC president should be reason enough to take 15 to 20 minutes out of your time today.

Candidates Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, the former state Republican Party chair, and Matt Chancey, a political newcomer with fresh ideas, are fine choices to battle Democratic nominee Lucy Baxley in November’s general election.

The Public Service Commission is often an afterthought for citizens and often acts as an invisible agency — one that acts as a buffer between many large companies, including power, and those who need their services.

The PSC often searches for means to save the consumers money by offering measures for them to save power.

The PSC should be better understood and appreciated. You can start by voting for a presidential nomination.

Beth Kellum and Lucie McLemore appear on the Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 1 ballot.

They won’t save you money on your power bill, nor will they regulate major industries in the state. But, as judge, the winner will be charged with upholding the law.
Justice is a special word.

Those who care about it should take the time to show it.

Otherwise, those who choose not to perform the most democratic of all tasks, which is to vote, also lose their legitimate voices to argue in the future when tough state decisions are made for them.

Make your voice be known and vote.