Dear Minot:

The week of Nov. 7 offers us two important opportunities in Minot, giving us both Election Day and Veterans Day.

It’s our duty and privilege to participate in both of these special days that represent two of the best elements that make up our community and our country.

Election Day is Nov. 8. Voting in Minot will be held at Maysa Arena (2501 Burdick Expressway West) and the State Fair Center (2005 Burdick Expressway East) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There are important choices to make, as the election will decide who occupies a seat on the City Council, spots on Ward County Commission, and two North Central District judge races. There is also a host of state office races and statewide measures on the ballot, in addition to the contests for U.S. senator and U.S. House of Representatives.

Our right to vote is as fundamental as it gets; it should never be taken lightly. We only have to look around the world at other countries where citizens aren’t afforded this freedom to realize the importance of this basic building block of our form of government.

It doesn’t matter which side of the political aisle you sit on – what’s important is that you exercise your right to vote. The system only works when citizens use their power at the ballot box. Don’t let anyone tell you that your vote doesn’t matter; it’s simply not true. Every vote matters.

I have two challenges for you: 

• Educate yourself on the candidates and the issues on the ballot. Read information about candidates. Review their voting records. Listen to their positions on issues that are important to you. If you see them at events around Minot, ask them questions. Be an informed voter.
• Vote. The polls in Minot are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so hopefully that gives everyone time to get to one of the two polling locations. It’s vital to the future of our community, our state, and our nation that our citizens make their voices heard through their votes.

You can’t think about the free election we’ll hold on Nov. 8 without recognizing the past and ongoing contributions of our military members. Would we be having these elections if not for the sacrifices of our veterans and their families? Perhaps not, and that should be reason enough to take a moment out of our day to thank a veteran when the opportunity arises.

That leads me to the third challenge I have for everyone in our community: Let’s make it a priority this year to recognize, thank, and appreciate every veteran we meet. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant gesture that draws attention. On the contrary. Maybe buy someone’s coffee or meal. Or, a simple “thank you,” a handshake, or a “thank you for your service” will do quite nicely.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and I hope everyone has the opportunity to attend a Veterans Day ceremony. Let’s remind ourselves that it’s more than a day off work for some people. We must not forget the real reason Veterans Day exists: To honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. 

Minot is a military town, and we’re proud of our relationship with the men and women of Minot Air Force Base. It’s made us a better community. It’s changed the very fabric of our city by bringing new traditions, new ways of thinking, and outside perspectives to our community. We embrace our military friends, and we welcome them here as a place to raise their families and further their careers. We are glad they are here.

During the week of Nov. 7, let’s celebrate our freedom by exercising our right to vote in free elections, and by thanking a veteran who through their sacrifice has helped protect that very right.

You can find more about what’s happening at the City of Minot at minotnd.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d also encourage you to sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter on our website.