RIGHT TO VOTE SHOULDN'T BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED

Today marks the last day to register to vote for the Nov. 3 general election. Because of some extraordinary registration efforts across the state, the numbers may be up significantly with a record 3 million Missourians registered.

Registration is a critical step in the election process, but Americans can't stop there. Too many people register to vote and then fail to follow through on election day. Voter participation has declined steadily in the United States a curious trend considering people are literally dying for the chance at a popular voice in other parts of the world.

Ironically, some Americans who might really appreciate the right to vote are those who have lost the privilege, such as convicted felons. Too many people take this precious right for granted and let others shape out nation's future.

About 67.7 million Americans or 36 percent of 186 million eligible voters participated in the 1990 midterm elections, according to the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate. That figure was equal to the percentage who voted in the 1986 midterm election, which was the lowest national turnout since World War II.

The fall off in voting has been a steady trend. In 1960, 62.8 percent of the eligible voters participated in the presidential election. Since that time, the number has fallen to 50 percent in 1988. Part of the reason for the drop is the expansion of voting eligibility in 1972 to include 18 to 21 year olds. But most of the decline is due to apathy or disgust with the political system.

This presidential election marks the 20th year that 18 to 21 year olds have been given the right to vote. And yet the number of young people exercising that right also has declined in the past two decades. That doesn't give much promise for improved voter participation in the years ahead.

The trend today is to make voter registration as easy as possible. That's admirable to a point. It's good to allow signups in nursing homes or campuses, where residents may not have transportation to county clerk's offices to register. But there is a purpose to advance registration, and that is to prevent fraudulent voting. Same day registration and voting could sidestep our system of checks and balances.

Registration and voting should require some effort and thought. Voting allows us to take responsibility as Americans to voice our favor or distaste.

To make prudent choices in this year's election, we must educate ourselves on the issues and candidates in the coming three weeks. Just voting for someone because their name sounds familiar is no way to run a country. The leaders we choose on Nov. 3 will shape the future of our state and country. To be part of these critical decisions, you must register today, and, as important, cast your vote Nov. 3.