Politics is complicated at best in the U.S. There is, unfortunately, a big divide across party lines. This causes tremendous problems and it shouldn't, as this country runs on a democratic system that permits a mix of parties to make up our government and balance key issues. A one-party U.S. government wouldn't be democratic.In this country we have to be registered to vote and many voters are affiliated with a political party, but that doesn't dictate how we vote with regard to any given candidate. Who we vote for is our decision and private business.

In this country we have to be registered to vote and many voters are affiliated with a political party, but that doesn't dictate how we vote with regard to any given candidate. Who we vote for is our decision and private business. In voting, consider doing so in line with what you feel is right, based on familiarizing yourself with all the candidates. If they are all found in one party or the other, that's how you need to vote. But consider at least reading both parties' side and perhaps voting across party lines. You aren't in any way deserting your party. Rather, you are empowering yourself to vote your conscience and that is a good thing.

In voting, consider doing so in line with what you feel is right, based on familiarizing yourself with all the candidates. If they are all found in one party or the other, that's how you need to vote. But consider at least reading both parties' side and perhaps voting across party lines. You aren't in any way deserting your party. Rather, you are empowering yourself to vote your conscience and that is a good thing.Don't fear independence

Don't fear independence Everyone needs to vote based on knowledge and not being afraid to vote for a candidate not affiliated with one's party. This will bring individualistic voting to the polls, not puppets perpetuating the mantra of any one party. Use the power given to you to vote exactly how you choose. In voting it is important to know that you made an educated, well-informed decision, not a party-affiliated one.

Everyone needs to vote based on knowledge and not being afraid to vote for a candidate not affiliated with one's party. This will bring individualistic voting to the polls, not puppets perpetuating the mantra of any one party. Use the power given to you to vote exactly how you choose. In voting it is important to know that you made an educated, well-informed decision, not a party-affiliated one.If we want to see positive changes in this country and, ultimately, the world - yes, we are one world and very much connected - we must ensure that town and city officials are elected because of their experience and/or vision, based upon our needs in the jurisdiction in which they seek a political position. We must believe they will do the right thing after we have voted for them. And once in office, hold them accountable.

If we want to see positive changes in this country and, ultimately, the world - yes, we are one world and very much connected - we must ensure that town and city officials are elected because of their experience and/or vision, based upon our needs in the jurisdiction in which they seek a political position. We must believe they will do the right thing after we have voted for them. And once in office, hold them accountable.It is the elected officials' responsibility to do their jobs to make our lives better. But, if they're not doing the right thing, voters need to act. Each citizen's voice needs to be heard, and what each citizen says is very important; however, it can't be just a few people as we all have a responsibility to ensure accountability from elected officials. If you vote for someone because promises are made and those promises aren't kept, you need to follow up with calls and letters and learn why.

It is the elected officials' responsibility to do their jobs to make our lives better. But, if they're not doing the right thing, voters need to act. Each citizen's voice needs to be heard, and what each citizen says is very important; however, it can't be just a few people as we all have a responsibility to ensure accountability from elected officials. If you vote for someone because promises are made and those promises aren't kept, you need to follow up with calls and letters and learn why. Elected officials wouldn't be in office unless we voted for them. In the same way these people accepted our vote, they must accept our comments and feedback for a job done or not done well.

Elected officials wouldn't be in office unless we voted for them. In the same way these people accepted our vote, they must accept our comments and feedback for a job done or not done well.Please vote, for any party. It is both an obligation and a privilege.

Please vote, for any party. It is both an obligation and a privilege.

Editor's note: The writer lives in Ledyard.