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For years, no matter what newspaper I was affiliated with at the time, I have devoted this space at election time to write about the importance of voting.

Having grown up in a home with a father who truly valued the right and privilege of being able to participate in the election process, I agree that it is something we should not take for granted and take the time to cast our ballots.

Whether it’s a primary, general or special election, we must make our way to the polls to share in the experience of making our voice heard by choosing the people we want to represent us on the government level.

Next Tuesday, we — that is, those of us who are registered to vote — will decide candidates for the 55th District House of Delegates for the Republican party, Jerry F. Burch Jr., John A. Cox and R.E. “Rusty” McGuire, as well as the Democratic candidate for governor among Terry R. McAuliffe, Brian J. Moran and R. Creigh Deeds. It’s considered a done deal with Bob McDonnell as the GOP nominee. Democrats will find three names on the ballot for the lieutenant governor’s seat: Jody M. Wagner, A. Michael Signer and Jon I. Bowerbank, who withdrew on May 18. That party’s candidate will then face incumbent Bill Bolling on Nov.  3. Attorney general candidates are Democrat Stephen C. Shannon and Republican Ken Cuccinelli.

And the official announcement — in the form of an invitation — came out last Wednesday of Robert Barnette’s interest as the Democratic candidate for the 55th House race. He serves as chairman of his party’s county committee. Ashland Mayor Faye O. Prichard, who had been rumored as the Democrats’ candidate, emphasized the morning “Good Morning America” was in her town that she would not be running.

Back to the original thought: Get out and vote. It doesn’t get any easier than that. The right is yours — take advantage of it. We are fortunate, we are blessed, we are Americans, and with that comes the responsibility to exercise and use our freedoms. Voting is, without doubt, one of the most precious and honored rights we have.

Do not take lightly “He is a shoo-in” — every vote literally counts. Don’t let yourself be the one who could have made a difference in the outcome.