Americans love a good patriotic, special day. And we’ve got quite a few. From President’s Day to Columbus Day to the Fourth of July, give us a good reason to celebrate our country and we’ll kick up our heels and have a great time.

And soon perhaps the biggest and most important patriotic day will be here.

No, not July 4. Think a bit longer. Think true forward-thinking patriotism.

Think, Election Day 2007.

That’s correct to truly show one’s red-blooded American chops a citizen needs to get rid of the apathy that often mars our most precious privileges — voting for our own government officials.

In Adams County, the deadline for registering to vote is July 7.

It’s easy.

It’s free.

And it’s important that you register at the Circuit Clerk’s office in the courthouse on State Street.

This year’s primaries will be on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and locally we have one of the largest fields of candidates in recent history.

The high number of candidates reflects a greater-than-average interest in getting involved and making a change in county government.

But none of that well-intentioned involvement will mean much if you, Joe Voter, do not pay attention to the issues, learn who the candidates are, learn where they stand and vote.

The first step is to register.

The second step is to get involved. That’s easy, too. On Friday the Natchez Senior Center on Washington Street will host a “Meet the Candidates” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Candidates will have a chance to speak to you and you’ll have a chance to learn how to use the new electronic voting machines, which are, by the way a snap to use.

So get patriotic, even before the Fourth of July, and register to vote.

If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain later.