Today is Election Day. We are faced with several important decisions at the local, state and federal level. I voted this morning, and Gail voted absentee last week as she is having minor surgery today.

Take time to vote

At the federal level, we will elect a new President and Vice President. We will also elect our United States Senator and United States Representative in Congress.

At the state level we will elect the following offices:

• Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• Secretary of State
• State Treasurer
• Attorney General
• State representatives in all districts
• State senators in some districts

In Greene County we will elect two commissioners as well as the sheriff, assessor, treasurer and public administrator.

We will also vote on six ballot measures, five of which are proposed state constitutional amendments.

Highlighting two ballot areas

I want to take a moment to focus on two of these ballot measures: Constitutional Amendment No. 3 and Proposition A.

Each of these measures seeks to increase tobacco taxes to finance particular state and local services. These measures have proven controversial, largely because they are financially supported by different players in the tobacco industry and because many believe the measures are designed to protect cigarette manufacturers and retailers and not encourage smoking cessation.

I have not been shy about my personal view on these ballot measures (I oppose them), and I, along with other members of the Healthy Living Alliance, signed an opinion statement opposing these measures that was published in the Springfield News-Leader.

That being said, reasonable minds can differ on how to vote for each of the candidates and issues on today’s ballot. I would encourage everyone to fully research the candidates and issues and cast an informed vote – whatever it may be. Regardless of the decision each of us makes, we put the public affairs mission into practice when we participate in the well-being of our community, state and nation by voting.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!