Next week's election an opportunity to shape future

Don't look now, but it's almost time to vote again.

Next Tuesday, April 7, is Missouri's general municipal election, and it's packed with local races in Cape, Bollinger, Perry and Scott counties.

In Cape Girardeau County alone, 33 people are running in contested races ranging from school boards to fire protection districts. The candidate total in Bollinger County is 42 -- from alderman races to school boards -- with 35 in Scott and 10 in Perry County.

And let's not forget the propositions and ballot questions in each area. Those range from potentially forgoing elections in smaller cities to a $20 million bond extension in Cape Girardeau.

So what's a voter to do? Well, here's what not to do.

Don't let such an opportunity pass you by. So many people complain about their elected officials without visiting a ballot box.

If you think your local school board member is ineffective, vote him or her out, in favor of a better candidate. If you feel your city's mayor does a good job, retain that person by choosing his or her name in the voting booth.

Remember, everything from property and sales taxes to decisions about education and fire safety hang in the balance. This election is a chance to shape the future of your community.

For more information on candidate positions and polling locations on April 7, visit semissourian.com/election. Be sure to catch this Sunday's Southeast Missourian print edition for all the local election info. Educate yourself, then get out and vote.