Today, Mississippi residents get a chance to shape the future of their communities — one finger at a time.

This morning at 7 a.m. polls open for the 2007 Republican and Democratic primaries.

Polls will close at 7 p.m., so residents have a 12-hour period in which to cast their votes and shape the future.

Further, today will be the first big test of the new touch screen voting machines.

This country has long been based on the power of an individual’s right to stand up and be counted when it comes to selecting our leaders.

The process, while far from perfect, has served us well for more than two centuries. That fact is amazing when you think about it. Every couple of years or so — depending on the race in question — we gather up, draw sides and choose our leaders. Most of the time that process is handled peacefully and without major disruptions in government.

This race is a big one for local government. Nearly 50 local candidates are on the ballot for positions within Adams County alone.

Many more will be on the ballot seeking statewide office.

You can exercise one of the most important, most precious power you as a citizen can wield, the power to choose. But you can only do it today.

Please take the time out of your busy schedules to vote.

The more people that stand up to be counted, the more effective and representative of the people our government will be.