America was founded on the revolutionary idea that our government doesn’t give us power; our government only has the power that we, the people, choose to give it.

Our rights are endowed by our Creator, and key to these is the right to vote. This freedom to choose or reject our leaders makes us the beacon of liberty in the world. People in countries worldwide have fought and continue to fight for what many of us take for granted.

I encourage all citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Exercising this right begins with ensuring that you are registered to vote.

In Michigan, voters must be registered one month before an election. For the Aug. 7 primary election, that means residents need to be registered by July 9. The registration deadline for the November general election is Oct. 9.

If you are not registered to vote or if you do not know whether you’re registered, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at: michigan.gov/vote. The site enables you to check your voter registration status, find your local county clerk’s office and follow a step-by-step guide to register to vote. For voters who cannot attend the polls on Aug. 7, the website also includes information about absentee voting.

Residents who are not registered can also pick up a registration form at a secretary of state branch or from their local clerk.

For more information, residents in Berrien County may also contact the county clerk’s office at 269-983-7111 ext. 8264 or by email at elections@berriencounty.org. St. Joseph County residents may contact the county clerk’s office at (269) 467-5603 and residents in Cass County should call (269) 445-4464.

Elections are a vital component to our democratic republic. Our state and nation continue to take on big issues and we need effective leaders who are willing to stand up for their communities.

I am proud that we have an engaged population in southwest Michigan that turns out to vote. Every vote matters, and sometimes a single vote can make all the difference.