It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active. The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt.—John Philpot Curran: Speech upon the Right of Election, 1790.

Tuesday is an important day in this country and in these parts. It’s

Election Day.

Granted, few local elections carry the emotion displayed by Mr. Curran more than 200 years ago. We admit it’s hard conjure fist-pounding fervor when it comes to discussing the election of the director of the Soil and Water Conversation efforts. But that’s what makes Tuesday important.

Gaining the enthusiasm to vote for president is relatively easy.

Voting for a state senator — or what is generally referred to as lower offices — requires some effort, some homework, some commitment to duty.

That’s what elections are, a commitment to duty. Where’s yours?