Originally prepared for "The Level Playing Field," a special presentation of The Koolau News. This piece was to be published Sunday, Sept. 8 (Week 6 of 7).

To quote Thomas Paine, �The right of voting for representatives is the primary right to which other rights are protected. To disregard this right is to reduce a man to slavery, for slavery consists in being subject to the will of another, and he that has not a vote in the election of representatives is in this case.�

His dissertation in 1795 is most applicable today, more than two centuries later.�The most important right citizens have is the right to vote.�Voting is the basis of a representative democracy.�By exercising this right, the people have a voice in government, and they decide who will represent them in the government.�Officials can be voted in or out of office, and every person�s vote matters. It�s important to always remember that government is the servant and not the master.

As with any right, your right to vote comes along with the responsibility to vote. This includes knowing the candidates and the issues. The right to vote puts citizens in the position to be accountable and understand what and whom they are voting for. It also puts the responsibility on the voter for choosing good candidates. If you did not even exercise your right to vote, you cannot rightfully complain about the candidates in office. If you are not happy with who is in office now, it is very important to use this opportunity we have as a free democracy to build what you think will be the best platform for our future.

I believe empowering the voter with information is the best way to make each vote count.�I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge The Level Playing Field�for their efforts to offer voters the opportunity to know about each candidate and what he or she will bring to the table as elected representatives.�I hope you will continue to engage all of us on the issues and participate in our great democracy by casting your vote.�Thank you again for this opportunity.