It's time to fulfill your duty as a citizen of this country

Four years ago, in urging voters to go to the polls, we said that the decisions made by the citizenry Election Day would determine the future of the smallest community and the world's most important nation. Little did we know then just how much the lives of the American people, the course of this country's history, and the affairs of the world would change.
Sept. 11, 2001, should have made us all realize that the price of democracy is high, indeed.
A lot has transpired since the terrorist attacks on America's mainland claimed more than 3,000 lives, but the test of just how much freedom means to us will come Tuesday.
In 2000, only 51.3 percent of the registered voters in the United States cast ballots for president. That same year, 60 percent of the voters in Mexico went to the polls in a national election.
A glance at an international voter turnout chart will show that the world's leading democracy does not rank high when it comes to citizens performing their civic duty.
From the vote for president to action on a school levy, the choices belong to you.
Careful evaluation
In making its recommendations, The Vindicator's editorial board has -- with the exception of those running for president -- talked to the candidates and carefully evaluated their records and the positions they have taken on major issues. We believe the executive, legislative and judicial branches of our government will be in good hands with the election of these men and women.
We also urge our readers to support the levies that fund their school districts and the regional boards that improve the quality of life for those less fortunate among us.
In Mahoning and Columbiana counties, we strongly encourage voters to approve the sales tax issues. In Trumbull County, a replacement levy for LifeLines is deserving of strong support.
NATIONAL
PresidentGeorge W. Bush (R)
U.S. SenatorGeorge V. Voinovich (R)
U.S. Representative
14th DistrictSteven LaTourette (R)
17th DistrictTim Ryan (D)
OHIO
Supreme Court
(1/1/05 term)Thomas J. Moyer
(1/1/05 term)Judith Ann Lanzinger
(Unexpired term ending 12/31/06)William O'Neill
State Issue 1Constitutional amendment on marriage -- No
Court of Appeals
11th DistrictMary Jane Trapp
Senate
32nd DistrictMarc Dann (D)
House
1st DistrictCharles Blasdel (R)
59th DistrictKenneth A. Carano (D)
60th DistrictSylvester D. Patton Jr. (D)
61st DistrictJohn Boccieri (D)
64th DistrictDaniel J. Sferra (D)
65th DistrictSandra Harwood (D)
COLUMBIANA COUNTY
Commissioners
(1/2/05 term)Sean D. Logan (D)
(1/3/05 term)Jim Hoppel (R)
1 percent sales tax -- Yes
MAHONING COUNTY
Commissioners
(1/2/05 term)Anthony Traficanti (D)
(1/3/05 term)John A. McNally (D)
Clerk of CourtsAnthony Vivo (D)
RecorderRonald V. Gerberry (D)
Common Pleas Judge
(Unexpired term ending 1/1/09)Elizabeth A. Kobly
Juvenile Court JudgeTheresa Dellick
County Court JudgeDavid A. D'Apolito
0.5 percent sales tax renewal -- Yes
Children Services Board levy renewal -- Yes
TRUMBULL COUNTY
Commissioners
(1/2/05 term)Paul E. Heltzel (D)
(1/3/05 term)Daniel E. Polivka (D)
Clerk of CourtsKaren Infante Allen (D)
Trumbull LifeLines levy -- Yes