The most important event soon coming up, is the annual school board election and budget vote on May 18. It is a great time to get the family out, together, to use this opportunity to express one of the great gifts of being an American.

It is also a time to get the first-time voter out.

I remember the first time I voted. It was a presidential election. My best friend was there wearing a light gray suit and presented me with a bouquet of roses to mark the occasion. It was a time to celebrate.

Maybe, that is what we need to make everyone take advantage of the right to vote - someone to take note of the event - to make it special.

School board elections can be lost because people don't take the time to pull the lever. People don't realize how important their vote is to the outcome of an election.

We may need to create a ceremony, a special commemoration, to make people appreciate their right to vote.

It is amazing the number of adults who don't vote. Don't lose the right to express your opinion. Be sure to vote on May 18.

- DFK