Please vote next Tues., June 8.

Last Monday, our nation observed Memorial Day so Americans could remember those who died in service to our country. They fought and paid the ultimate price to protect our freedom and our right to vote.

That’s why voting is so important.

Millions of people live in countries without the right to vote. Whenever a former despotic nation converts to democracy, citizens of those countries enthusiastically embrace their newfound right to vote, sometimes at the risk of being killed at polling places.

American citizens, in contrast, have enjoyed the right to vote for more than 200 years.

All of our freedoms are dear to us, including the right to practice religion as we see fit (or not at all), freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble and to petition the government about our grievances, the right to bear arms, the right to a speedy trial by our peers, property rights and protections against self-incrimination, unreasonable searches or seizures, cruel or unusual punishment, and excessive bail.

The right to vote might be the most important of all.

Sure, it’s only a primary election, but it’s more significant than any in recent memory.

Several county races are to be decided, including those for sheriff and supervisor.

There are also several important ballot measures and primary elections for Republican, Democratic and third party candidates for governor.

It only takes a few minutes to vote, but if we truly believe in self-rule, those few minutes are invaluable.

Again, we ask you: Please vote on Tues., June 8.