VOTING REPRESENTS VOICE OF PEOPLE IN DEMOCRACY

Voting is an intrinsic component of American democracy. Government for the people, by the people and of the people without the voice of the people, it doesn't really work.

But in this fast-paced world, it's sometimes difficult to fulfill the process that enables citizens to vote. That's why Cape Girardeau County's recent move to take voter registration to the people is such a good idea.

As part of its Voter Outreach campaign, the Cape Girardeau County Clerk's office has offered registration at retail stores, public events, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and local businesses. The result is a growing number of convenient opportunities for people to register to vote.

These government employees realize that many people work the same hours as county offices, and have a hard time coming by to register or update their voter files. If someone has moved, they must update their files with their new address to be able to vote. This campaign demonstrates that government can be responsive to the public needs.

Businesses both in Cape Girardeau County and across the nation are joining in this effort to build voter registration rolls. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is promoting voter registration and education at the workplace this year. The Chamber and the Vote America Foundation plan to contact 195,000 chamber members across the nation in 1992 as part of their "Put Democracy To Work" campaign.

Locally, Procter and Gamble, West Park Mall and Wal-Mart have agreed to host voter registration efforts. Several other large businesses have also been contacted in the county about sponsoring similar drives. For true success, voter registration should be a partnership between government, business and schools.

The deadline for voters to register for the Aug. 4 primary is July 15.

Earlier this year, a canvass of voter registration books in Cape Girardeau County removed about 1,500 voters from the books. These are people who had moved in the last two years. As of May 6, there were 30,444 registered voters in the county. That number is expected to grow to nearly 34,000 by the November vote.

Persons can register to vote at the county clerk's offices in the administration building in Jackson and the Common Pleas Courthouse in Cape Girardeau, or the public library in Cape Girardeau or the Riverside Regional Library in Jackson.

There are many reasons why people should register to vote. Voting offers people a chance to speak directly to their elected officials. It just makes sense that we should have a say in how our tax dollars are spent. We should also be the ones to decide if we want more services, and are willing to pay for them. People may also want to be a part of this year's presidential elections casting their ballots in this three-way race that may come down to the wire. This may be one of the most exciting November elections in several decades. Voting gives us a chance to help shape history.

We the people: That's the first three words of the U.S. Constitution. Without the people, democracy doesn't work. Voting is the way our voices can be heard from Jefferson City to Washington, D.C.