Considering it’s one of the freedoms that the United States of America was founded on, it’s startling that only 38 percent of citizens age 18-24 voted in 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In 1964, 50.9 percent of citizens in the same age group voted in an election.

While the rate of young people voting has reached respectable percentages during the 1992, 2004 and 2008 presidential elections elections other than presidential are held almost every year.

Last year, the cities of Picayune and Poplarville held elections for the seats of mayor and several council or alderman members respectively. Only 13.23 percent of Picayune’s residents voted and only about 500 residents voted for mayor in Poplarville.

The ability to vote is a right that shouldn’t be forgotten, used only when convenient or when a controversial law is proposed. It is the responsibility of all citizens to participate in elections, whether large or small, in order to guarantee the continued right to vote.

While it is the 21st century, there are places in the world where voting is not an option.

In some countries where citizens are allowed to vote, it is a dangerous task.

Even 60 and 90 years ago in the United States, there were people who weren’t allowed to vote because of their race or gender.

Even then, at times people were killed in the streets because they fought to make sure their voice was heard.

People continue to fight and die so that every citizen, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or creed can go to a voting booth and cast a ballot for their chosen candidate.

Don’t desecrate the memory of those who fought for this nation’s freedoms by not voting, go out and vote.

Even though the primary election has passed, residents can still cast their vote on November 3 for the offices of Senator, Representative and district II supervisor.