Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual - or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.
~ Samuel Adams

As you can see by today's special coverage, the runoff election is upon us. If you didn't already cast a ballot during early vote, then please take the time to visit the polls Tuesday.

For the District 5 Newton County Board of Commissioners race, Ronnie Dimsdale and Levie Maddox both received 29.8 percent of the vote in the July 31 primary. If you previously voted Republican in this primary, or didn't vote at all, you vote for one of these two gentlemen Tuesday.

In state house District 113 race, incumbent Democrat Pamela Dickerson had a fairly strong showing, capturing 42 percent of the vote, while hometown challenger Sharon Sawyer received 32.4 percent. Most of the district is now in Newton County after redistricting, but voters will have to decide whether they think Dickerson or Sawyer will be the more effective and responsive legislator.

If you voted as a Democrat in this primary election, or didn't vote at all, you can vote in the runoff.

Speaking of the July 31 primary, only 30.92 percent of the eligible voters turned out to cast ballots in Newton County. The result wasn't surprising, but it was a disappointing showing for people in a free society such as ours.

If you're eligible to vote and don't, then you are letting the minority of minority dictate the leadership of the county and state for the next four and two years respectively.

More than a million proud Americans have given their lives throughout this country's history to ensure that their fellow citizens kept their freedoms, including the freedom to vote for their leaders.

Please take the time to vote for you and your neighbor. Our democracy needs your voice.