Jan. 7 is the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming presidential primary. We urge all who haven't already done so to sign up.

And more than that, we hope all Bryan Countians take it one step further by taking the time to get informed on the candidates and cast their ballots – not only in February's presidential primary but in upcoming local elections as well.

Look at it this way. If you don't like something your school board or county commission or city council is doing and you don't take the time to exercise your responsibility to learn the issues and vote, you should voluntarily give up your right to complain.

After all, why should anyone take you seriously if you don't take participation in your own government seriously?

Of course, it's easier to sit at home and complain. But, as Dale Carnegie put it, "any fool can criticize, condemn and complain – and most fools do. "

That seems especially apt when it comes to describing those who don't take advantage of their right to vote.

So, if you do nothing else in 2008, get registered, get informed and vote. And don't stop there.

Participate in the process by attending government meetings – and not just when something impacts you directly. Attend meetings regularly and get to know your public officials. You'll find most mean well and do their best to represent a diverse group of interests. You may also find some you believe should not be in office. But how will you know unless you attend meetings? And how can you effect change if you don't vote?

The answers are simple. You won't and you can't.