Tuesday, the primaries for the U.S. Senate were held in Mississippi. Incumbent Roger Wicker faced one challenger in the Republican primary and six candidates faced off in the Democratic primary looking to unseat him in November.

From those six, David Baria, from Bay St. Louis, and Howard Sherman, from Meridian, advanced to a runoff three weeks from now after no one received more than 50 percent of the vote.

Voting is a fundamental civic duty that determines who will be your voice in the legislature, but in a contest with no local races being contested, voter turnout in Warren County was abysmal.

Of the 25,687 active registered voters, just 3,915 – 15.24 percent – bothered to cast a ballot in Tuesday’s election.

Those who did vote, voted heavily Republican. There were 1,652 ballots cast in the Democratic Primary and 2,168 of registered voters went Republican.

The Oakland Precinct had the most participation with 23.72 percent of the registered voters casting a ballot. The Kings Precinct had the worst turnout will only 113 out of 1,066 registered voters, 10.6 percent, casting a ballot.

Just last year a vote in Vicksburg showed how important every single vote is when Alex Monsour defeated Willis Thompson by only eight votes in the race for South Ward Alderman.

Casting a vote on Election Day is how you voice your opinion about the direction you want your city, county, state and country to go. If there is a candidate that you disagree with or an elected official you think isn’t doing his or her duty, vote against them. If there is a candidate or incumbent who you agree with vote for him or her.

Democracy does not work if you don’t go to the ballot box and cast your.

The runoff election between Baria and Sherman is June 26 and the final race will be held Nov. 6. Let your voice be heard and go vote.