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Next Tuesday, Feb. 16, you will be able to find me and by dedicated bosses hanging out at the Chronicle office well into the night, awaiting the results of the Feb. 16 primary election. Although there will be others to vote for on the ballot, the one race I will be eyeing closest will be the race for Iowa County Circuit Court Judge.
We are fortunate as a county to have four very competent, well-rounded and experienced candidates contending for the position. This primary will eliminate two of these candidates, and the final vote will come in the April 5 election.
As a whole, it has been a pleasure working with each candidate on their campaign ads, answering questions for publication and working to hold a successful public forum in Dodgeville a few weeks back. I've enjoyed seeing all the campaign signs around town, reading all the letters to the editor that have been sent in and listening to community members explain who they will be voting for.
After all, it will take votes from these community members to see just how this election, and the upcoming April election, will turn out.
In 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed, the right to vote was only a privilege for white men who owned property in the country. By 1870, all male citizens were allowed to vote regardless of race or color. It wasn't until 1920 when the 19th Amendment was adopted by Congress and ratified by the states to allow all citizens the right to vote, regardless of their gender.
Exercise your right to vote on Tuesday by heading to your various polling locations and letting your voice be heard!