By Michael J. Cleary

If one takes a look at this week’s paper, one thing should be clear. The workings of government depend upon the participation and involvement of the people affected by the workings of that government.

That participation can mean running for elected office (and serving the people in that capacity). It can also mean participating by voting in primary and general elections. Participation can also mean being aware of governmental action and attending public meetings concerning those actions.

Participation is something we are entitled to as part of the citizenry in the broad sense. Of course, not everyone has the willingness or ability to participate in everything all the time. That is why we elect others to act on our behalf. To that extent, I do personally believe it is the duty of everyone who can vote to become familiar with the candidates running for office and to vote.

There are some who prefer not to exercise their right to vote, and instead prefer to allow those who do vote to decide for them. While I don’t agree with that position, it is one’s right to do so.

Nowadays, more than ever before, voting is accessible to every potential voter. Early voting, absentee ballots, etc., make it easier than ever for otherwise busy people to cast their ballots.

If you page through this week’s paper, you will find official information about early voting. On Page 10 this week, there is a notice detailing when and where you can participate in early voting. It provides good detail of locations and hours of the many early voting locations throughout the county. The time and effort put into accommodating early voting in this county is commendable.

Also, this week, we are publishing a sample of the official ballot. Here, you can find who is running for a particular office. With this information in hand, voters can have the opportunity to research the candidates to better make an informed decision.

In addition to voting, you can attend public meetings, such as the upcoming public meeting regarding zoning of some 2,400 acres of land in Monee, Crete, Washington and Will townships for a solar energy facility. We are publishing the notice of that meeting in this week’s paper as well.

These are just a few of the opportunities for participation in your local county government. There are many more throughout the year. It is certainly a lot to keep up with, and I certainly don’t expect many people to have the ability and time to do so.

That is why perhaps the most important thing we can all do is to make the time and effort to vote in elections, beginning with the primary election, either through early voting, which is available now, or on election day, March 17, 2026.

Michael J. Cleary is publisher of Farmers Weekly Review.