Elections are the backbone of democracy in America. It is a right that too many U.S. citizens take for granted for one reason or another and fail to exercise their voice by casting a ballot.

Voter apathy is a serious issue in our nation. According to the Pew Research Center, only 55.7 percent of the U.S. voting age population cast ballots in the 2016 presidential election.

There has been a steady decline over the years with 57.5 percent of eligible voters voting in the 2012 election and 62.3 percent in 2008.

Tuesday is another opportunity for all of us to take part in our democracy. The party primaries will be held with some very important Congressional races on the ballot.

Republicans and Democrats each have a party primary for a U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Roger Wicker. Six candidates are running in the Democratic primary, and Wicker faces one challenger for the Republican nomination.

If runoffs are needed, they will be held June 26.

Even though there are no local races on Tuesday’s primary ballot, we strongly encourage registered voters in Warren County to go to the polls and cast a ballot. By voting, you are making your voice heard — from education to health care to national security — and registering your opinion on how you think the government should operate.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and if you have questions about where your polling place is located, please call the chancery clerk’s office at 601-636-3961 or the Secretary of State’s polling place locator at sos.ms.gov/pollingplace.